Aston Villa have reportedly taken the first step toward signing Sevilla defender Loïc Badé on a permanent deal, as manager Unai Emery eyes reinforcements for his defensive line. With Diego Carlos expected to depart this January, Badé has emerged as Villa’s priority target.
The 24-year-old Frenchman has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining Sevilla in 2023, cementing his reputation as one of La Liga’s most promising defenders. According to Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla, Villa have submitted an opening bid of €15 million (£12.6 million) plus €5 million (£4.2 million) in performance-based add-ons. However, Sevilla have turned down the offer, reportedly seeking €22 million (£18.5 million) plus €5 million in add-ons and a loan move for Carlos as part of the deal.
Diego Carlos Linked with a Return to Sevilla
Including Carlos in the negotiations could be a logical step for Villa, as the Brazilian center-back has struggled to establish himself in Birmingham. Since his £26 million move from Sevilla in 2022, injuries and inconsistent form have limited Carlos’ impact. A return to Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium could provide the 30-year-old with the opportunity to reignite his career, while giving Villa a smooth path to acquiring Badé.
Newcastle Enter the Race
Time is of the essence for Villa, as Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a bid of their own for Badé. If Newcastle proceed with an offer, the transfer could turn into a competitive bidding war. Emery and Villa’s football operations president, Monchi, will need to move swiftly to fend off interest from their Premier League rivals.
Monchi, who initially brought Badé to Sevilla during his tenure at the Spanish club, shares a strong rapport with the player. Their connection was on display after Sevilla’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2023, with the pair sharing an emotional moment on live television.
Badé’s Journey from Struggles to Stardom
Before becoming a cornerstone of Sevilla’s defense, Badé endured a challenging stint in the Premier League. He joined Nottingham Forest on loan in the 2022/23 season but failed to make a single competitive appearance. His subsequent move to Sevilla proved transformative, as he quickly adapted to Spanish football and became a key player in Sevilla’s successful Europa League campaign.
In addition to his club exploits, Badé has represented France at the U23 level, notably appearing in the Tokyo Olympics. He is now reportedly on the cusp of earning his first senior cap and has attracted interest from European heavyweights, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
How Badé Fits Emery’s System
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Badé combines physical dominance with agility and technical ability. Right-footed and confident on the ball, he excels in distributing long passes to wide areas and carrying the ball out of defense. Should Villa secure his signature, Badé could form an imposing partnership with Pau Torres, who is currently sidelined with a broken metatarsal.
Emery’s tactical preference for ball-playing defenders would be well-served by pairing Badé and Torres in central defense. Alternatively, Ezri Konsa could shift to right-back to accommodate the Frenchman, offering Villa flexibility in Premier League and Champions League matches.
As negotiations between Aston Villa and Sevilla continue, securing Loïc Badé could prove to be a crucial piece in Villa’s push for domestic and European success. With Newcastle also vying for his signature, Villa will need to act decisively to land a player who seems tailor-made for Emery’s vision. Whether Badé ends up in claret and blue may hinge on the club’s willingness to meet Sevilla’s demands and navigate the potential inclusion of Diego Carlos in the deal.