As Aston Villa continue to strengthen their squad following the arrival of Donyell Malen, the club has reportedly opened talks to secure defensive reinforcements, targeting Sevilla’s Loïc Badé.
This pursuit aligns with the vision of Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi as they push for Champions League football for a second consecutive season.
Building on Malen’s Arrival
Villa’s signing of Malen from Borussia Dortmund has already provided a significant boost to their attacking options. The Dutch winger offers immediate competition to Leon Bailey while enhancing the support available to forwards Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. Speaking to the club’s official channels, Malen expressed excitement about joining Villa, stating: “This is a proper big stadium, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
However, Villa’s transfer activity hasn’t stopped there. Reports suggest the club has turned its focus to adding a quality defender to their ranks, with both Emery and Monchi identifying Badé as a top priority.
Badé: A Potential Game-Changer
According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa has initiated talks with Sevilla for the 24-year-old center-back, who has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs over the past year. If a deal is finalized, Badé would replace Diego Carlos, who is reportedly close to leaving the club.
Instant Impact on Defense
Badé is viewed as a significant upgrade over the aging Carlos. Pairing him with Pau Torres could create a formidable defensive partnership at the heart of Villa’s backline. Known for his excellent ball manipulation and composure, described as “crazy” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Badé is particularly suited to breaking down low-block systems—a growing challenge for successful teams like Villa.
This ambitious transfer would reflect Villa’s excellent recruitment over the last two years and their determination to remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe.