Aston Villa are reportedly in touch with Villarreal’s star defender Pau Torres, whose release clause is €65 million.
According to AS (h/t Sport Witness), Premier League club Aston Villa are in touch with Spanish defender Pau Torres regarding a summer deal. The player has a release clause worth €65 million in his contract with Villarreal.
The Villans, now led by Unai Emery are a far more formidable side heading into the 2023/24 season. The Spanish tactician managed Torres while at Villarreal. and a reunion could be on the cards at Villa Park.
At 26, Torres is in the prime of his career and is already well-experienced at the top level. More so, Torres is also a left-footed central defender, somewhat of a rarity in today’s game. A modern-day full-back, the Villarreal star is also technically proficient and can work his magic on the ball.
The Spaniard is also attracting attention from German champions Bayern Munich. As long as Villa remain the only side to make a bid, they hold the aces when it comes to this transfer race. More so, the Germans are also eyeing Napoli ace Kim Min-jae, with Manchester United pulling out of the race. Bayern have already agreed personal terms with him.
Villarreal are keen for suitors to meet Torres’s €65 million release clause. While it is certainly not chump change, the Spaniard is arguably well worth the money. However, Aston Villa need not fret as Torres’s contract at the Estadio de La Ceramica expires in 2024, weakening the La Liga side’s hold on negotiations.
According to MARCA, Villa are not willing to even meet Villarreal’s asking price of €45 million. The player has made his mind up to move and Villa refusing to pay a discounted fee below his release clause could indicate the confidence they have in the matter. Not only would he be the best defender on the Villa roster, but his leadership qualities will make a difference on the field as they targets a European spot.
A move to Aston Villa is certainly a step down compared to Bayern Munich. However, the Midlands club is on the rise and have already made one key signing this summer in Youri Tielemans. Adding Torres to the mix will be a stellar way for them to kick off the summer transfer window.
Emery formed a formidable Villarreal side that not just won the 2021 UEFA Europa League but also made it to the semi-finals of the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League. Torres was a key part of that roster and largely held together the defence that proved difficult to breach. Should they reunite at Villa Park this summer, the move will be nothing short of a coup for the Premier League side.
