Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in 25-year-old World Cup winner Exequiel Palacio, a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Sport BILD, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have set their sights on Exequiel Palacios over a possible move in the summer transfer window. Bayer Leverkusen will demand around €40 million to part ways with the World Cup winner. He is also a target for Manchester United.
Who is Exequiel Palacios?
Exequiel Palacios has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga in the last few years. A native of Famailla, the 25-year-old spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the River Plate youth division. But he has risen in prominence after arriving in Europe by joining Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020.
The Argentine international has come leaps and bounds in the last four years, also rising in stature with La Albiceleste. He was a part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, Palacios has enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 season, chipping in with five goals and two assists in 22 appearances.
The World Cup winner’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Recent reports have linked him with Manchester United, who will target him as a potential replacement for Christian Eriksen. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also interested in the player.
Premier League Calling?
Aston Villa’s interest in Exequiel Palacios likely stems from the uncertainties surrounding the future of Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian international is a pivotal figure for Aston Villa but might leave in the summer transfer window amid links with Arsenal and Manchester City. So, it behoves the Midlands outfit to look for a replacement, with the Argentine international being a viable target.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are sweating over the future of Bruno Guimaraes amid emerging links with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. In addition, they might sanction the sale of Joelinton. So, Palacios has emerged as an option worth considering. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will demand around €40 million to part ways with the 25-year-old.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have the financial strength to pay €40 million to sign Exequiel Palacios. But with Manchester United also in the hunt, securing his services might not be a straightforward operation.
