Aston Villa has secured the signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a high-profile £50 million deal. The 22-year-old Belgian international, who played every minute of Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, is set to bring his talents to Villa Park as they prepare for the upcoming Champions League season.
Onana joined Everton from Lille in 2022 for £33 million and made 72 appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals during his tenure. His performances attracted attention from top clubs, including Arsenal, who were linked with him in 2023. However, Villa manager Unai Emery was keen to bolster his midfield options following the departure of Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35 million in June.
Speaking about his move, Onana expressed his excitement about competing in the Champions League with Aston Villa. “I’ll be playing in the Champions League again, and that’s very exciting,” said Onana. “We also have a manager who’s one of the best in the business, and I think he can take my game to the next level.”
Onana also credited his Belgium teammate and fellow Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans for influencing his decision to join the club. “Youri played a big part in me being here because he told me lots of good things about the club,” he explained.
Aston Villa, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, are gearing up for their first Champions League appearance since the 1982-83 season, following their historic European Cup victory the previous year. The acquisition of Onana has increased Villa’s summer spending to approximately £140 million as they strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.
In addition to Onana, Villa has made several other notable signings this summer. They have invested £35 million in Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, £18.6 million on the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, £18 million on Jaden Philogene’s return from Hull, £5 million on Ross Barkley’s transfer from Luton, and £9 million on Lewis Dobbin’s move from Everton.
Aston Villa will kick off their Premier League campaign against West Ham on Saturday, August 17, as they look to make a strong start to the new season.
Credit: BBC Sport
