Aston Villa has secured the signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m.
The 22-year-old, who played every minute of Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, will now have the chance to represent Villa in the upcoming season’s Champions League.
Onana initially joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022, making 72 appearances and scoring four goals during his time with the Toffees. He was linked with a move to Arsenal in 2023 and attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, had been searching for a new defensive midfielder following the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35m in June.
“I’m excited to be playing in the Champions League again,” said Onana. “We also have a manager who’s one of the best in the business, and I believe he can elevate my game to the next level.”
Onana also credited Villa midfielder and Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans for influencing his decision to join the Midlands club. “Youri played a big part in me being here because he told me lots of good stuff about the club,” Onana added.
Villa, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, are bolstering their squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign, marking their return to elite competition since the 1982-83 season, following their European Cup victory.
Onana’s arrival brings Villa’s summer spending to approximately £140m. Other signings include £35m for Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, £18.6m for the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, £18m for Jaden Philogene’s return from Hull, £5m for Ross Barkley’s move from Luton, and £9m for Lewis Dobbin’s transfer from Everton.
Villa will kick off their Premier League campaign against West Ham on Saturday, 17 August.
Source: BBC Sports.
