Aston Villa to delve ‘heavily’ into Spanish market after Monchi arrival as £35m Pau Torres update emerges
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Aston Villa will delve heavily into the Spanish market for transfers this summer after the arrival of Monchi as President of Football Operations, according to Ty Bracey.
The Spaniard has developed a reputation as one of the best talent spotters of this century and previously helped lead Sevilla to consecutive Europa League titles in 2014-2016 alongside Unai Emery.
After signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City earlier this window, Villa now have their sights set on a Spanish centre-back Pau Torres, with the Daily Mail reporting that Villa are hoping to take advantage of Villarreal’s pressured wage bill to secure the transfer.
The 26-year-old has a £55.5million buy-out clause, but Villa are eyeing a cut-price deal in the region of £35million after Fernando Roig Negueroles, son of the Spanish side’s owner, told local media that they have to sell to ease the club’s wages.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey admitted he expected a heavy lean towards the Spanish market this summer.
He said: “I thought we would delve into the La Liga market very heavily anyway this summer, but the arrival of Monchi signals this even more.
“It’s a market Emery knows very well after managing there for so long, and the successful signing of Alex Moreno in the January window proves that there are some bargains there as well.
“I was happy with whoever Unai wanted in that role in the Aston Villa hierarchy, and anything he is spearheading at the club is likely to be fully backed by the whole fanbase after qualifying for Europe last season.
“Monchi and Emery worked together at Sevilla together as well, which is an added bonus, and I’m definitely on board with the move.”
Monchi is set to start in his role at Villa Park at the beginning of July and will report to Aston Villa co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.