Aston Villa are actively reshaping their squad during the current transfer window, with a clear focus on bolstering both their attacking prowess and defensive stability under the guidance of Unai Emery. The latest player to emerge on their radar is French centre-back Loic Bade, with reports suggesting that Villa are in advanced negotiations with Sevilla regarding his transfer, as highlighted by The Hard Tackle.
Bade, who made the switch to Sevilla at the start of 2023 following a less than stellar loan spell at Nottingham Forest, has quickly established himself as a key figure for the Spanish club. His performances have been instrumental, leading Sevilla to make his move permanent last summer for a fee of £10.2 million. Over the past 18 months, the 24-year-old defender has shown considerable development, drawing the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including Liverpool and Newcastle United. Both clubs have been monitoring his progress closely, with Newcastle eager to strengthen their defensive options and Liverpool preparing for a transition as Virgil van Dijk's career nears its conclusion.
Despite the interest from rival clubs, Aston Villa appear to be in a strong position to secure Bade’s services. The club's sporting director, Monchi, initially targeted Oscar Mingueza but has since shifted his focus to Bade, a player he successfully signed for Sevilla. Recently, Monchi was seen in Seville, observing Bade’s performances, which indicates a determined effort to expedite the transfer process. Reports suggest that negotiations between Villa and Sevilla have advanced, with the potential deal estimated at around £30 million, including possible add-ons.
In a strategic move to facilitate Bade's acquisition, Villa are preparing to part ways with Diego Carlos. The club has reportedly reached an agreement with Fenerbahce for the Brazilian centre-back's transfer, valued at approximately £10 million. This decision not only paves the way for Villa to pursue Bade more aggressively but also underscores the club's commitment to assembling a competitive squad for the remainder of the season.
As the transfer window progresses, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Loic Bade reflects their ambition to enhance their defensive capabilities, with the aim of improving their standing in the Premier League. With the right additions, Villa could significantly bolster their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions, making this an exciting time for the club and its supporters.