Martin Payero ‘to clear medical’ as Aston Villa eye transfer
Udinese midfielder Martin Payero is reportedly being eyed by Aston Villa in the summer transfer window.
Dr Rajpal Brar, an injury expert, has assessed the Udinese midfielder’s fitness record ahead of a potential transfer this summer.
Unai Emery is keen on strengthening his side in the coming weeks and wants more reinforcements in the middle of the park.
Monchi is keen on Payero transfer this summer
Despite his multiple injuries last season, the Argentine midfielder is not expected to face issues with his medical, according to Dr Brar.
Monchi is understood to be keen on getting Payero to Aston Villa in the coming weeks. (Alfredo Pedulla, 15 May)
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, told Villa News: “Has an assortment of more minor injuries, nothing outside the norm, so wouldn’t expect musculoskeletal issues on the medical.
“He did have a muscular injury by the end of the season, so it depends on how that is right now.
“A knee injury at the end of 2024 did keep him out for a month, but he appears to have recovered from it.“
Aston Villa must avoid signing Payero
Payero has shown flashes of talent but carries significant risks that make him an unsuitable signing for Aston Villa in the Premier League.
While he has contributed three goals and five assists in over 50 appearances for Udinese since 2023, his inconsistent performances and recurring fitness issues raise red flags.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udinese | 56 | 3 | 5 |
| Banfield | 43 | 2 | 11 |
| Boca Juniors | 32 | 5 | 1 |
| CA Talleres | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| Middlesbrough | 16 | 1 | 1 |
During his stint at Middlesbrough, Payero struggled to adapt, making only 13 league appearances, hampered by injuries, including a severe one in 2022 that sidelined him for the season.
The Premier League’s relentless pace and physicality demand robust players, and Payero’s injury-prone history suggests he may falter under its intensity, so Monchi’s recommendation must be discarded.
With the Villa Park outfit needing reliable midfield reinforcements to compete in Europe, signing the 26-year-old, whose track record in England was underwhelming, risks undermining their ambitions in a highly competitive league