Aston Villa Transfer: Joao Felix to Join, Countinho’s Exit, Emery January Plan
Aston Villa are getting prepared to back their new bos Unai Emery in the upcoming January transfer window after he took over the baton from Steven Gerrad. The Spaniard has beaten Manchester United with a margin of 3-1 in his first match as a manager before the World Cup break.
Emery would be looking forward to build his rest of the legacy in Aston Villa upon the victory acquired and drive the club to the top part of the league table. It is being speculated that he could make quite a few changes to the squad and might use his connections in Spain to bring more quality to the club.
Against Arsenal and Man Utd for Joao Felix
The Villains have recently been in contact with the Atletico Madrid and Portuguese World Cup sensation Joao Felix. They are aiming a signing for him amidst his rough relationship with current manager, which might push him to leave the Spanish giants.
Sources have been claiming that Emery’s front is well equipped to signed the 23-year-old in January despite of his huge price tag that goes over £100million.
However, Felix is also in the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United according to the reports, and Villa have a huge task of convincing the youngster to join their camp. Ten Hag has been hoping to sign Felix so as to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, while Arteta’s side might sign him to cover for Gabriel Jesus.
Several sources are claiming that the Villains are currently “making a huge effort” to sign Joao Felix in an effort to transform their attacking front under newly appointed Emery. In fact, the agent Jorge Mendes, who had previously played a key role in signing of Emery back in October, also represents Felix and has expressed that the forward looks set to leave.
Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin had stated earlier this month that Felix is likely to leave the club, he said, “For reasons it isn’t worth getting into – the relationship between him and the boss…I’d love him to stay personally, but I don’t think that’s the player’s idea.”
More additions by Emery to Villa
Felix isn’t the only player that Emery is aiming to pick on his side. Emery desires to fill his side with several talented additions in the January window. Emery’s other targets are the French World Cup stunners Marcus Thuram and Matheus Cunha who can be potential players.
However, Cunha might move to Wolves instead, but the option of Thuram might still be open for £10m only after his contract expires in 2023 summer.
Along with that, Senegal player Nicolas Jackson is another name popped up for a reunion with Emery. His contract release clause is worth £27m and he might prove to be a good replacement for Thuram.
Philippe Coutinho’s exit from Aston Villa
Entries of new players isn’t the only potential change that Emery is looking forward to. There could be potential exits from the club as well under Emery’s guidance. Philippe Coutinho is once such player we can expect to leave this January after his move from Barcelona last year.
After a depressing second spell in England, Sao Paulo-based Cortinthians are expected to take the Brazilian back to his homeland. Especially after the departure of Gerrard, the person who brought Coutinho in Villa, he might not fit well into the dreamteam Emery is building.
