Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is nearing a long-term deal with Aston Villa, with a transfer fee in the region of £50 million. This move, while surprising to some, marks a significant development in the transfer market.
The 22-year-old Senegalese-born Belgian international has made a substantial impact since his arrival from Lille in 2022 for approximately £30 million. Onana has quickly become a fan favourite at Everton, impressing with his strength, speed, physicality, and keen eye for a pass.
Onana’s departure will be a considerable loss for The Toffees. His presence in midfield has been crucial, offering a blend of tenacity and skill that set him apart from his teammates. Despite the depth in Everton’s midfield, Onana’s unique attributes will be sorely missed.
For Aston Villa, Onana could prove to be a valuable asset, especially with the imminent departure of Douglas Luiz. Onana seems a ready-made replacement, offering a similar skill set without Villa having to break the bank.
This deal is financially beneficial for Everton, who have been striving to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Nonetheless, losing Onana will be a significant blow.
The sale provides Everton with an opportunity to reinvest in their squad, particularly in their attack, which has been a notable weakness.
Retaining a player of Onana’s calibre has always been challenging for Everton. The midfielder has been linked with major clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.
There were strong rumours that Arsenal were keen on signing Onana, but the deal never materialised. Bayern Munich were also reportedly interested, but Villa managed to hijack the deal after Onana expressed his preference to stay in England.
This transfer could be seen as a win-win situation if both clubs play their cards right. Villa gain a talented midfielder, while Everton have the funds to address other areas of their squad.
As Onana edges closer to his move to Aston Villa, Everton fans will undoubtedly feel the sting of his departure but will hope that the reinvestment can bring new strengths to their team. Meanwhile, Villa supporters will eagerly anticipate what Onana can bring to their midfield, bolstering their squad for the challenges ahead.