Aston Villa Makes João Félix Target After Moussa Diaby’s Sale

Aston Villa are targeting an eye-catching acquisition for João Félix after approval of €60m (£50.5m) sale of their record signing, Moussa Diaby, to Al-Ittihad.

Félix, who transferred to Atlético Madrid from Benfica for €126 million as a teenager in 2019, is being considered by Villa as they prepare for the Champions League. The club last participated in Europe’s top competition during the 1982-83 season.

Over the past two seasons, Félix has predominantly been on loan, scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances for Barcelona in the 2023-24 season.

Chelsea paid €11m (£9.7m) to loan Félix for the second half of 2022-23 and, although it is unclear how viable a deal is, he is a player of interest to Unai Emery. Félix is under contract at Atlético until 2027.

The 24-year-old Portuguese forward presents an intriguing opportunity for Emery, who values players who can function across the front line, similar to January signing Morgan Rogers.

Villa also holds an interest in Athletic winger Nico Williams, who has a €58 million (£49 million) release clause.

However, Williams, a standout performer at Euro 2024, is a top priority for Barcelona.

Diaby is anticipated to finalize a five-year contract with Al-Ittihad a club in the Saudi Pro League, which has also made inquiries to Manchester City regarding the acquisition of goalkeeper Ederson. 

Meanwhile, Villa has officially announced the £50 million signing of Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton.

Diaby’s influence diminished throughout last season following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to €60 million. He made 54 appearances, netting 10 goals and providing nine assists, and participated in every Premier League match.

Diaby picked Villa over a move to Saudi Arabia after receiving an offer from Al-Nassr. “I decided to come here for the project,” he told the Guardian last December. “In terms of Saudi, I spoke with my agent and my family but my first idea was to come here because I wanted to play against big teams and everybody knows the Premier League is the best league in the world.”

Last week, Villa activated a buyback clause to re-sign academy product Jaden Philogene from Hull City in a £13 million deal, enhancing their options on the wing. With the arrival of Morgan Rogers in January, they now have considerable depth in attack, alongside established regulars Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, but they are looking to replace Diaby.

Philogene was one of the standout performers in the Championship last season, notably scoring a rabona against Rotherham.

Villa has been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, bringing in players such as Onana, Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, and Ross Barkley.

Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz, Omari Kellyman, Morgan Sanson, and Tim Iroegbunam have left the club. Philippe Coutinho, who has two years remaining on his contract, has joined Vasco da Gama on a season-long loan.

Emery is also open to the idea of allowing Jhon Durán to leave, with Villa looking for around £40 million for the Colombian striker. West Ham may consider revisiting a move after previously having a loan bid turned down in January.