Aston Villa could land bargain move for £17m “cheat code” who’d be an upgrade on Mings
Unai Emery Eyes Ambitious Summer as Aston Villa Target High-Profile Signings – With Defensive Reinforcements a Priority
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is looking to make full use of the summer transfer window as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen his squad with high-calibre signings. Despite missing out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming season, Emery remains optimistic that this setback is only temporary. With European ambitions still very much alive, Villa are aiming to build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Several exciting names have already been linked with a move to Villa Park, including former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, and promising Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. Acquiring any of these players would represent a major statement of intent for the Midlands club. However, given the current state of the squad, some observers believe that bolstering the centre-back position should be Emery’s top priority as the window gets underway.
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Villa Set Sights on Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen
While Fermin Lopez has been discussed as a possible midfield target, he’s not the only Barcelona player on Emery’s radar. Reports suggest that Aston Villa are now pursuing a move for Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen, who appears increasingly likely to leave the Catalan giants this summer. According to The Birmingham Mail, Villa are among several clubs showing interest in the 28-year-old defender.
Christensen, who joined Barcelona in 2022 after a long spell with Chelsea, is entering the final year of his contract. With Barca under financial pressure and keen to balance their books, they may be willing to accept offers in the region of €20 million (£17 million)—a price that stands in stark contrast to his lofty €500 million release clause. For a player of his quality and experience, this could prove a bargain for any suitor—particularly for Villa, who are in need of reliable depth at the back.
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Why Strengthening the Defence Is Crucial for Villa
Currently, Aston Villa’s options at centre-back are limited. Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa have been standout performers and are expected to continue as Emery’s first-choice pairing, but beyond them, options are thin. Tyrone Mings, who has served the club admirably over the years, is now 32 and struggled with injuries throughout the past campaign. His long-term reliability is in question, raising concerns about depth and sustainability in the heart of defence.
Bringing in Christensen could not only add experience and quality to the backline but also provide a long-term replacement or upgrade for Mings.
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Christensen vs Mings: The Numbers Speak Volumes
To truly understand the value Christensen could bring, it’s worth revisiting his performances from the 2022/23 season, which was more representative given the injury disruptions both players have faced recently.
According to FBref:
Christensen averaged 0.51 shots per 90 minutes, compared to 0.2 from Mings.
He boasted a 94% pass completion rate, outshining Mings’ 85.2%.
The Dane also won more tackles (15 vs 7) and tackled a higher percentage of dribblers (62.5% vs 45%).
Christensen showed greater discipline, picking up only two yellow cards compared to Mings’ seven.
These stats reflect Christensen’s technical prowess, defensive composure, and superior decision-making on the pitch.
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A Premier League-Proven Talent at a Cut Price
Christensen is no stranger to English football, having made 93 Premier League appearances during his time with Chelsea. His familiarity with the pace and physicality of the English game would make him a seamless fit at Villa Park. At just 28 years old, he’s also three years younger than Mings and arguably entering the prime of his career.
Lauded as a “cheat code” by football journalist Domagoj Kostanjsak in 2023, Christensen combines experience, intelligence, and technical quality—all traits Emery values highly in his tactical setup.
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A Deal Too Good to Miss
With Villa aiming to cement their place among the Premier League’s elite, signing Andreas Christensen for under £20 million could be a shrewd piece of business. He would not only provide depth and competition but could also serve as a long-term anchor in defence as Villa pursue domestic and European ambitions.
Given his skill set, experience, and relatively low transfer fee, this is a move Unai Emery should be eager to finalise sooner rather than later. In what promises to be a crucial summer for the club, Christensen could well be the defensive reinforcement that helps elevate Villa to the next level.