“Villa makes U-turn”: Player won’t be joining Aston Villa unless there is ……..
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Sevilla centre-back Loïc Badé appears to have reached a definitive end ahead of the summer transfer window, barring an unexpected and dramatic shift in circumstances.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Villa are no longer actively targeting the French defender, with the publication stating that the “train has already left the station” in regard to a potential move. The Premier League side, led by manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi, are reportedly focusing their attention on alternative defensive reinforcements.
Although Badé is widely expected to leave Sevilla in the coming weeks, especially following an impressive spell of performances with the French national team during the recent international break, a transfer to Villa Park is now seen as highly unlikely. Despite being viewed as a viable option earlier in the year, circumstances have since changed.
Back in January, Aston Villa made a serious effort to bring Badé to England. The club initiated contact and showed strong interest in securing his services during the winter transfer window. However, the deal ultimately failed to materialize, with the player turning down the approach. Though speculation continued in the following months about a potential summer move—particularly as Sevilla prepare to cash in on the 25-year-old—the sense now is that Villa are no longer in the running.
AS further reports that both sides harbored lingering concerns following the failed winter negotiations. Villa reportedly struggled to reach a full agreement with Badé, and any enthusiasm the club may have retained for reigniting talks has since cooled. The January breakdown seems to have left an impression, contributing to a mutual lack of momentum.
There also appear to be doubts about whether Badé sees the Premier League as the right environment for his style of play. In recent public comments, the defender hinted that he might not be ideally suited to English football—a remark that raised eyebrows among observers. For Villa, this has likely reinforced the idea that the pursuit may not have been the right strategic move, both tactically and culturally.
With the defender seemingly reluctant to embrace a move to England and Villa redirecting their recruitment efforts, the situation no longer aligns for either party. Monchi, who previously worked with Badé during his time at Sevilla and now plays a key role in Villa’s transfer operations, is believed to have assessed the situation thoroughly and decided to shift the club’s attention elsewhere.
All signs now point to Aston Villa closing the chapter on any potential move for Loïc Badé, turning instead to other names on their shortlist who may be more motivated, adaptable, and aligned with the club’s playing style and ambitions.
Unless there is a sudden and highly unlikely change in the dynamics, the French defender will not be wearing claret and blue next season.