Pierre Kalulu to lead Unai Emery’s defensive switch-up at Aston Villa as goodbye expected
Aston Villa could have a new-look defensive roster in 2026.
Unai Emery has defenders on his transfer shopping list for this month, with centre-backs among the possible incomings in B6.
Villa have had a solid defence over the past couple of years, and it’s been a key reason as to why Emery has seen so much success at Villa Park.
But with the latest on Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu, a change to the Spaniard’s backline may soon be coming for more than one reason.
Aston Villa can sign Pierre Kalulu for £26m
Kalulu is a modern-day centre-half with brilliant ball-playing ability out from the back, and would most likely suit the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has learned his trade in Italy and could now be set for a move to England, and more specifically, to Villa.
- Kalulu has played 32 times for Juventus this season
- He has five goal contributions
- Kalulu has also played four seasons of Serie A football with AC Milan
According to Calciomercato.it, Aston Villa are interested in signing Kalulu ahead of next season.
Juventus would be willing to listen to offers of around £26million, which would be enough for the Italian giants to benefit from a healthy capital gain.
If Juventus were to miss out on Champions League qualification this season, they may have to say goodbye to Kalulu.
| Postion | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| 1. Inter Milan (CL qualification) | 20 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 46 |
| 2. AC Milan (CL qualification) | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 43 |
| 3. Napoli (CL qualification) | 20 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 40 |
| 4. Juventus (CL qualification) | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 39 |
| 5. Roma | 20 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 39 |
| 6. Como | 20 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 34 |
But there have also been no reports to suggest anything stopping the Villans from making an early offer this window.
Why Kalulu can be part of a changed Aston Villa defence next season
Pau Torres has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, and it’s still possible that a deal could be concluded before the end of the window.
However, due to Barcelona’s financial issues and Villa’s high ground in discussions, a transfer is unlikely to happen until the summer at least.
But football moves fast, and there’s every chance we could see Kalulu at Villa Park soon if Torres were to leave for Catalonia.
Villa’s defensive options are good and strong in depth, but many are coming towards the back end of their careers.
Emery and Co. may be looking to the future in regard to a potential swoop for Kalulu.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.