Aston Villa transfer is imminent as manager addresses player he ‘knows really well’

Aston Villa are on the brink of completing another ambitious signing in the 2025 summer transfer window as manager Unai Emery confirmed on Monday that a deal is “imminent” for a player he “knows really well.” With the Villans preparing for their first Champions League campaign in over four decades, the former Villarreal and Arsenal boss has wasted no time reinforcing his squad with experienced, technically astute additions.

Though Emery did not reveal the player’s name directly, multiple reports in Spain, France, and the Midlands press point to the target being Álex Baena, the versatile Spanish midfielder currently at Villarreal CF — a player Emery not only signed during his spell at El Madrigal but also helped develop into a Spanish international.

The move would represent a significant coup for Villa and a continuation of their impressive, analytically driven recruitment approach under Sporting Director Monchi. The club is said to have beaten off competition from top Serie A sides and several La Liga giants to secure the deal, with a medical expected by the weekend.

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Emery Drops the Hint: “He’s Someone I Know Really Well”

Speaking at a media event during Villa’s preseason tour in the United States — where the club recently defeated Inter Miami 3-1 — Emery was asked about incoming transfers and offered a surprisingly candid response.

“We are very close on one deal. It is someone I know really well. He has the mentality, the tactical understanding, and the experience at the level we need. Hopefully we can announce something in the next few days.”

When pressed for more, Emery smiled and added:

“Let’s say he knows how I want to play. That makes the transition smoother for the team and for him.”

Villa fans and journalists alike immediately connected the dots. Emery’s most successful spell as a manager arguably came at Villarreal, where he led the Yellow Submarine to the 2021 UEFA Europa League title and a Champions League semifinal. One of the key players to emerge during that era was Álex Baena — an academy product turned star under Emery’s watch.

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Who is Álex Baena?

A dynamic 23-year-old who plays primarily as a left-sided midfielder or inside-forward, Baena is known for his energy, positional intelligence, and superb technical execution. He burst onto the scene in 2021–22 and has since made over 100 appearances for Villarreal in La Liga and Europe, contributing goals, assists, and creativity across multiple systems.

He earned his first senior Spain cap in late 2023 and has since become a fringe national team player under Luis de la Fuente. His inclusion in Spain’s 2024 UEFA Euro preliminary squad was viewed as evidence of his upward trajectory.

Key attributes:

• Age: 23
• Position: Left midfield / attacking midfield / inverted winger
• 2024–25 Stats: 38 appearances, 6 goals, 9 assists
• Strengths: Tactical flexibility, ball progression, pressing, vision
• Estimated Fee: £33 million (€39m)

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Deal Structure: Fee, Contract, and Timeline

According to sources close to the negotiations — including Sky Sports, Marca, and The Athletic — Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Villarreal to sign Baena for an initial fee of £30 million, with performance-related add-ons that could push the total deal to £38 million.

The move is now at the medical and personal terms stage, which is expected to be completed swiftly due to the strong relationship between Emery and Baena’s camp. The midfielder will reportedly sign a five-year contract worth around £85,000 per week, doubling his salary at Villarreal.

Villa’s ownership group, led by billionaire Wes Edens and Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris, have signed off on the deal as part of the club’s ongoing strategy to blend elite-level coaching, European experience, and financially sustainable investment.

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Villa’s Summer Ambitions: Building for Europe

Aston Villa’s return to the UEFA Champions League — their first since 1982–83 — has accelerated the club’s long-term vision. Already this summer, Villa have secured the permanent signing of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona after a successful loan, added depth with French right-back Vanderson from AS Monaco, and signed highly rated Swedish striker Roony Bardghji from FC Copenhagen.

With Baena’s arrival, Villa continue a pattern of targeting players who:

• Are aged between 20–25
• Have Champions League or Europa League experience
• Fit Emery’s tactical structure
• Have resale potential

Baena’s expected versatility means he could slot into several roles: as a left-sided number eight in a midfield three, as a wide playmaker in a 4-2-2-2, or even as a pressing forward in certain Champions League away setups. His energy and intelligence also suit Emery’s desire to control tempo and space, particularly against high-level European opposition.

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What This Means for Villa’s Current Squad

Baena’s imminent arrival could have a knock-on effect on some current first-team players.

• Jacob Ramsey, long seen as a future England regular, may now face increased competition in the left-central midfield role. Sources indicate he’s on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Spurs and West Ham.
• Philippe Coutinho, on loan in Qatar last season, is likely to depart permanently as Villa clear space and wage flexibility.
• Emiliano Buendía, still recovering from a long-term ACL injury, will be reintroduced slowly — Baena’s arrival may ease the pressure to rush him back.

Villa fans should also keep an eye on young midfielder Omari Kellyman, who is highly rated but may now be loaned to a Championship club to gain regular football.

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Emery’s Influence and Baena’s Trust

The strong personal relationship between Baena and Emery has been pivotal. During their shared time at Villarreal, Emery handed Baena his European debut and protected his development by integrating him gradually into a star-studded side.

Speaking to Spanish radio in 2023, Baena said:

“Mister Emery changed everything for me. He gave me confidence when I didn’t even have it myself. He taught me what it means to think before you move. He’s more than a coach.”

That level of trust is reportedly what helped Villa beat Juventus, Napoli, and Sevilla to the player’s signature. Juventus, who had monitored Baena for over 18 months, were said to be waiting on outgoings before making a formal bid, which allowed Villa to swoop in decisively.

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Villa Fans React: Excitement Meets Elevated Expectations

On social media, the response from Aston Villa fans has been electric.

• “Álex Baena would be a phenomenal signing — pure Emery ball!”
• “Champions League nights at Villa Park with Baena pulling strings? Let’s go.”
• “Monchi’s fingerprints are all over this. Brilliant move.”

Pundits have also praised the deal. Former Villa striker Dion Dublin, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said:

“This is not just a player for the present — it’s a statement of how far Villa have come. Four years ago we were worried about relegation. Now we’re signing Spain internationals for Europe. Remarkable.”

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What’s Next for Aston Villa?

With Baena expected to be announced within the next 72 hours, Villa are not finished yet.

According to The Telegraph, the club is in advanced talks with Atalanta over a move for defender Giorgio Scalvini, and are also monitoring Chelsea’s Armando Broja as a potential rotational option behind Ollie Watkins.

Meanwhile, Villa’s Champions League group stage draw will take place in late August. The club is currently third in UEFA’s seeding pot due to their strong coefficient, meaning a potentially favorable draw could see them face a second-tier group rather than traditional giants.

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Conclusion: Emery’s Vision Gains Power

Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery continues at pace. With Álex Baena poised to become the next addition in what is already an eye-catching window, Villa are no longer just competing with Europe’s elite — they’re behaving like them.

Emery’s knowledge of his target, Monchi’s ability to negotiate tough deals, and Villa’s financial backing have made them one of the smartest clubs in the Premier League this summer. With the return of Champions League football, a rabid fanbase, and now a deeper, more versatile squad, the Villans are no longer outsiders — they are contenders.

The Baena deal, once complete, will underline that shift — and signal to Europe that Aston Villa are ready to stay at the top.