Aston Villa will reportedly compete with Barcelona to sign 34-year-old Spanish midfielder Dani Parejo from La Liga club Villarreal.
According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Villarreal will look to tie Dani Parejo to a new three-year contract. But Aston Villa and Barcelona are keen on signing the 34-year-old midfielder. And the Yellow Submarine might listen to offers for him if he does not sign a new deal.
Dani Parejo has resurrected his career since enduring an emotional departure from Valencia three years ago. The 34-year-old was Los Che’s captain and one of the club’s best players at the time. But Valencia forced him out of the Mestalla as he sealed a tearful farewell before moving to Villarreal.
The Spanish midfielder has not looked back since moving to Estadio de la Ceramica. A mainstay in the middle of the park for Villarreal, he made 50 appearances this past season, chipping in with three goals and six assists. But Parejo’s contract situation has left the Yellow Submarine in a spot of bother. And the situation has captured the attention of several clubs, including Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Aston Villa showed interest in Parejo earlier this year, and they remain keen on signing him. And despite the Spaniard’s advancing years, he is an energetic performer with a solid work ethic. So it is hardly surprising that the Villans are eager to secure the veteran midfielder’s services in the summer transfer window.
On the other hand, Barcelona, like Aston Villa, displayed interest in Parejo’s services in January. And with Sergio Busquets departing from Spotify Camp Nou, the midfield unit has a vacant spot. In particular, the Barcelona squad has a leadership void as Jordi Alba has also left along with Busquets.
So the 34-year-old Villarreal midfielder is a viable target for the newly-crowned La Liga champions. And considering they can offer UEFA Champions League football, Barcelona should hold the aces ahead of Aston Villa. But at Villa Park, Unai Emery will look to reunite with the experienced midfielder.
Meanwhile, Villarreal will look to tie the Spaniard to a new three-year contract. That shows that despite his advancing years, he remains a top performer. And it will be interesting to see if he continues in La Liga next season with Villarreal or Barcelona, or moves to England by joining Aston Villa.
