Aston Villa are preparing to renew their interest in Sevilla defender Loic Bade during the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports from Football Insider. Senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed on the Inside Track podcast that Villa's initial bid for the 24-year-old centre-back was "turned down" by the Spanish club.
Bade has quickly become Villa's primary target, overtaking previous interest in Fikayo Tomori. Manager Unai Emery is eager to strengthen his defensive line following the departure of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce. Sources close to the situation have indicated that Villa plans to return to Sevilla with an improved offer to secure the French defender's services.
Sevilla are reportedly open to selling Bade this winter, largely due to the financial difficulties they are currently experiencing. A transfer would provide essential relief to their financial situation. The support from Villa's owners has been evident throughout Emery's tenure, suggesting that the club is well-positioned to invest in the right talent should a suitable opportunity arise.
This season, Bade has featured in 17 matches for Sevilla, missing only four La Liga games, three of which were due to injury. Sevilla's firm stance in negotiations is reinforced by the fact that Bade is under contract until 2029, giving them considerable leverage in any potential transfer discussions.
While Bade has prior experience in England from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, it is worth noting that he did not make any appearances for the club, as his loan was cut short midway through the season.
Concerns have recently emerged among Aston Villa supporters regarding the team's current trajectory, with some questioning whether the players remain responsive to Emery's managerial style. These apprehensions have been exacerbated by the manager's comments about the players' mindset following a disappointing defeat to Monaco in the Champions League.
In a related development, Aston Villa reportedly secured a profit of £7.5 million from a completed deal, as highlighted by football analyst Stefan Borson. This financial gain could potentially bolster their efforts in the forthcoming transfer window, providing further impetus for Villa's pursuit of Bade.