(Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa 'most persistent' in deal to sign Sidibe as 'clear Stoke exit news' emerges

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

09 Jul 2025, 9:40 am

Unai Emery has made a habit of signing some of the Championship’s best upcoming youngsters at Aston Villa in recent years.

Morgan Rogers has gone on to become a top player at Villa Park since he arrived from Middlesbrough in 2023.

Now, Emery is aiming to repeat this trick as Villa target Stoke City’s Sol Sidibe.

The 18-year-old has impressed at the Potters and has already made 21 first-team appearances.

Now, further developments in the transfer saga have taken place, as Emery looks to sign the youngster.

Morgan Rogers was signed from Championship side Middlesbrough (Credit: Imago)

Sidibe set to leave Stoke City amid Aston Villa interest

So far this summer, Emery is yet to sign anyone, with Yasin Özcan’s pre-transfer the only new face at Villa Park as it stands.

Now, Sidibe could be a step closer to joining the Birmingham outfit, according to Footmercato (9 July).

The outlet has claimed that the England Under 18s captain is “clearly” on his way out of Stoke City this summer.

Multiple teams are interested in the midfielder, with Aston Villa being the “most persistent”.

However, Lille are also keeping a close eye on the situation, while Ajax and PSV are also in the running.

Monchi has made a habit of finding bargains for Villa in the transfer market (Credit: Imago)

Sidibe would be an excellent signing at Villa Park

If Emery can get the signing of Sidibe over the line, the midfielder would be an excellent addition.

At just 18 years old, he has already shown that he is capable of playing some quality football.

The article described Sidibe as “powerful” and believes that he has “good physical dynamics”.

Sol Sidibe at Stoke City
Appearances	21
Goals	0
Assists	2

Sidibe is believed to have a lot of potential

The youngster would likely have more first-team appearances under his belt if not for being sidelined for six months.

If signed, he could be the next breakthrough star at Villa Park, and provide great cover in the midfield going into the new season.

Hopefully, Emery will make the necessary steps to get the signing over the line at Aston Villa before other clubs look to swoop in.

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Sol Sidibe