Aston Villa advance talks to sign €25m forgotten Nottingham Forest man wanted by Newcastle United

Aston Villa have reportedly made their first offer to sign Sevilla defender Loïc Badé on a permanent transfer.

Unai Emery has been actively seeking a new central defender to replace the likely departing Diego Carlos, and Badé appears to be the primary target. The 24-year-old has been steadily improving since joining Sevilla in 2023, quickly becoming one of the standout defenders in La Liga.

According to Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla, Villa recently submitted an opening bid of €15 million (£12.6m) plus €5 million (£4.2m) in add-ons for Badé. Sevilla, open to negotiations, rejected this offer and instead requested €22 million (£18.5m) plus €5 million in add-ons, along with Carlos on loan.

A move for Carlos in the opposite direction could make sense, as the Brazilian has become surplus to requirements at Villa Park. Despite some strong moments, his £26 million transfer from Sevilla in 2022 has not gone as planned, and a return to Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium may be beneficial for all parties.

Talks are expected to continue throughout the week, but Villa must act quickly as Premier League rivals Newcastle are also interested in Badé. The same report indicates that the Magpies will submit their own bid, potentially leading to a bidding war.

This isn’t the first time Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, has been involved in discussions to sign Badé, as he was the one who brought the player to Sevilla in the first place. Their strong relationship was evident when they celebrated together after winning the 2023 UEFA Europa League.

Earlier in the 2022/23 season, Badé had a brief and unsuccessful loan spell in England with Nottingham Forest, failing to make a competitive appearance. However, his fortunes turned around at Sevilla, where he became a regular starter and played a key role in their European success.

How Loïc Badé could fit in at Aston Villa

Badé, who represented France at the Olympic Games last summer, is on the verge of earning his first senior cap for his country. A highly regarded talent, he is reportedly being pursued by top European clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Standing 6ft 3in and strong on his right foot, Badé would complement Pau Torres well once the Spaniard returns from his metatarsal injury. Ezri Konsa could shift to right-back in place of Matty Cash, or Badé might rotate with Konsa in central defense across both Premier League and Champions League matches.

Badé is also proficient with the ball at his feet, capable of picking out wingers or dribbling out from the back. Pairing him with Pau Torres, another ball-playing defender, would give Villa a dynamic and formidable central defense—perfect for Emery’s playing style.

MSNfootballNews

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