Aston Villa have confirmed the high-profile signing of Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton, bolstering their options in the middle of the park.
Villa’s initial interest in Onana dates back to last month, and after weeks of negotiations, all parties have finally reached an agreement.
The deal is believed to be worth around £50 million, with Onana signing a long-term contract with the Birmingham club.
Onana arrives at Villa Park with a wealth of experience, having made 72 appearances for Everton since joining them from Lille in the summer of 2022 for an initial £30m.
The French club will receive a chunk of his transfer fee to Villa as they were entitled to 20% of any profit made on a future sale.
Onana’s signing represents a major coup for Villa.
The 22-year-old attracted interest from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
However, Villa managed to secure his signature, emphasising their ambition in the transfer market as they prepare for Champions League football.
“It feels amazing,” Onana said (via the club’s official website). “I’m glad to be here, finally, and I can’t wait to get started.”
On his reasons for joining, Onana added: “It was a bit of everything. There’s a healthy atmosphere here to grow as a player and as a man.
“The team played very attractive football last season with loads of goals and will now be playing in the Champions League.
“I’ll be playing in the Champions League again, and that’s very exciting. We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business, and I think he can take my game to the next level.”
Onana, who Roberto Martinez described as a ‘really exciting‘ player, will further strengthen Villa’s midfield options.
He joins Enzo Barrenechea, who arrived from Juventus earlier this summer, and Ross Barkley, who signed from Luton Town.
With a plethora of talent now at their disposal, Villa manager Unai Emery has a variety of options to choose from in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, the club are also weighing up an audacious move for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix after selling Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
