Girona approach Aston Villa for Alex Moreno transfer after Unai Emery call

Aston Villa are set to trim their squad down, and several players could be headed for the exit door soon.

The Villans are yet to make significant additions in the West Midlands during what has been a difficult transfer window so far, with outgoings still needed.

Aston Villa are currently on tour in the USA, but not every first-team player has travelled, with Alex Moreno one of those left behind in Birmingham.

Girona have now made contact for Moreno, who could be set to depart Villa.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery
Credit: Imago

Emery decides to leave Moreno behind

Moreno spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, but suffered from injury issues despite initially impressing.

Emery left the defender out of the trip to America, with Villa keen on parting ways with Moreno permanently. The Athletic have now reported (29 July) that La Liga side Girona have made an official approach to Aston Villa to sign the 32-year-old.

Alex Moreno at Aston Villa
Appearances48
Goals3
Assists3
Moreno fell down the pecking order at Villa Park

Moreno is keen to leave following his snub from the pre-season tour, and both loan and permanent deals are being considered by Villa.

The Spaniard has made 48 appearances for Villa in total, scoring three times. However, he looks to have played his final game for the club.

Alex Moreno
[credit: @nffc on X]

Aston Villa have strong depth at left-back

Moreno has little chance of any game time if he is to stay at Villa, with Emery’s options in the position strong.

Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen are ahead of him in the pecking order, and both are trusted options for Emery, as well as the latter being younger.

With this in mind, sanctioning Moreno’s exit and getting his salary off the wage bill makes sense, and a permanent exit would be ideal.

It is unclear what kind of fee Girona are capable of offering after a disappointing season in La Liga, but the expectation is that Moreno will leave Villa Park this summer.

The defender fell out of favour with Emery before his loan to Forest, and regardless of his performances there, had no future at Villa once his exit was confirmed.

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