Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing 21-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder Mandela Keita this year.
Mandela Keita has a loan contract with Royal Antwerp until the end of the season, but he will not return to his parent club OH Leuven in the summer. The Belgian club have an obligation to buy him permanently if certain conditions are fulfilled. A report from HLN has claimed that Aston Villa are hoping to secure his services.
Aston Villa on the Lookout for a Midfielder
The midfielder could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement for Douglas Luiz if he decides to move on at the end of the season. The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with several top clubs in recent months, and he could be a man in demand during the summer transfer window.
Luiz has been a key player for Aston Villa under Unai Emery, and the West Midlands club will have to replace him adequately if he leaves the club. Signing a talented young midfielder like Keita certainly makes sense, and he could develop into a key player for the Premier League club.
Mandela Keita to Aston Villa?
A move to the Premier League would be an exciting step up in his career, and he will look to fulfill his potential with regular football in England. Villa have a top class manager like Emery in charge and the Spanish manager could help the defensive midfielder develop further and fulfil his tremendous potential.
It will be interesting to see if Royal Antwerp decide to sign the player permanently at the end of the season and then sell him for a quick profit. Alternatively, he could return to his parent club, where he is not a key part of the plans. So, Aston Villa might be able to secure his services for a reasonable price. West Ham United have also shown interest in him.
The 21-year-old midfielder is reportedly valued at €20 million, and Aston Villa certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal done. If he manages to fulfil his potential with the English club, the transfer fee could look like a major bargain in the long term.
