Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 28 May 2025 11:00, UK

Aston Villa are days away from starting their summer transfer business with the signing of a teenage prodigy from abroad.

After the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification, Aston Villa will undoubtedly be keen to bolster their squad this summer.

Signings that can come in and immediately improve their squad will be a priority, though Unai Emery will also be looking to add depth and potential to grow with the Villans.

With that in mind, reports from Africa suggest the Villans are edging closer and closer to striking their first deal, with an announcement expected by the end of the week.

Ivory Coast teenager set for Villa Park move

Most of Aston Villa’s success over the last few seasons has been found through the signings of established internationals playing among the top five leagues, and that’s unlikely to change much this summer.

Several players have already been linked with a move to Villa Park, but according to a report from AfricaFoot (28 May), the first addition is just days away.

ASEC Mimosas’ midfielder Mohamed Kone is “expected to join Aston Villa in the coming days”, with his 18th birthday approaching in July.

The highly-rated teenager has already had a taste of first-team football at club level, while representing Ivory Coast’s Under-20 side, having made five appearances.

His move to Villa is described as a “major step forward”, with African reports suggesting he is “considered one of the greatest hopes in Ivorian football.”

Emery needs to be backed at Aston Villa

Signings like that of Kone may make plenty of sense in the long run, but if Villa are to bridge the gap on the teams above them, they need additions that can come in and take them to the next level.

Marcus Rashford could yet make a return to Villa Park, while there will undoubtedly be several other areas identified to strengthen ahead of what will be a busy summer.

If Emery is backed, Villa have every chance of going one step further next season.