Aston Villa have agreed on a deal with Villarreal for key defensive target Pau Torres, who will sign a five-year contract.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed an agreement was reached between Aston Villa and Villarreal for Pau Torres. The 26-year-old Spanish international will sign a five-year contract with Unai Emery’s side as medical tests have been scheduled to complete this transfer imminently.
Unai Emery wanted a quality defender to add to his backline this summer, and it appears he has his preferred target. After a strong finish to the season ensured the club would play in Europe after many years, the Spanish manager wanted to bring in quality stars that suited his system.
Pau Torres emerged as a top target despite his previous links to some big Premier League and European clubs. In truth, the 26-year-old Spanish international was waiting on one of the Euro giants to make an offer, which never arrived.
While Villa had already convinced Torres about the move, there was Bayern Munich’s potential late call. Aston Villa’s prospects improved right after the Bavarians agreed on personal terms with Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae, thus allowing Emery’s side to finalise this move.
Pau Torres to Aston Villa, here we go! Agreement in place — as revealed today Unai Emery wanted Pau to join this week and it’s gonna happen. 🚨🟣🔵 #AVFC
Contract agreed, also medical being scheduled. Villa will pay way less than the release clause.
Big one for Emery & Villa. pic.twitter.com/uzg4RYUHAv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2023
Fabrizio Romano confirmed an agreement between the two clubs, with Villa reportedly paying way less than Torres’ reported £55 million release clause. It is a great deal for the Midlands club, who have now acquired their top defensive target.
The 26-year-old Spanish international will sign a five-year contract and likely see a massive wage improvement. Torres will likely become a first choice under Emery, with the duo reuniting after a fruitful period at Villarreal.
Torres will likely become Villa’s headline signing after a thorough pursuit from Emery to get his signature over the line. The Spaniard fits how Emery wants to play and will bring in plenty of European experience as they embark on a maiden Conference League journey next season.
Emery wanted quality addition and has already signed Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City. They are also angling for a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, bringing massive depth to their midfield. With Torres, they will have a secured backline, and now Emery will likely target attackers in the next phase.
