Just in: Aston Villa keen to sign “talented” £8.5m midfielder who pocketed Rogers last season
Aston Villa Eye Serie A Midfielder Jens Cajuste Despite Ongoing PSR Challenges
As Aston Villa continue to navigate the financial tightrope posed by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club is carefully weighing its options in the transfer market. While the clock ticks down toward the critical June 30 PSR deadline, the Midlands outfit are reportedly showing a strong interest in Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste—who notably impressed against Villa last season.
PSR Deadline Looms Large Over Villa’s Transfer Strategy
The upcoming days could prove to be pivotal in shaping Villa’s summer. With less than a week left until the PSR accounting period closes, Unai Emery’s side faces mounting pressure to raise funds through player sales in order to remain compliant with financial regulations. At present, high-profile names such as Emiliano Martinez and Leon Bailey are being touted as potential departures.
Martinez, Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has attracted serious attention from Manchester United, who are in the market for a long-term No.1. Although the idea of selling to a domestic rival is far from ideal, Villa could be forced to consider offers if the financial necessity outweighs the sporting risk.
Leon Bailey, on the other hand, could be a more straightforward exit. The Jamaican international endured a difficult campaign last season, slipping down the pecking order following the arrival of Donyell Malen and the temporary additions of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Even with those loan players now back at their parent clubs, Bailey’s future at Villa Park remains uncertain. Given his reduced role and inconsistent form, cashing in this month could be a smart move by the club.
Coutinho Sale Not Enough to Ease PSR Pressure
While the proposed permanent transfer of Philippe Coutinho to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama is expected to offer some PSR relief, it’s unlikely to be a complete solution. Despite Coutinho’s wages and transfer fee contributing to balancing the books, Villa may still need to sanction at least one more key departure in order to fully reset and prepare for a more aggressive stance in the summer market.
Only once those financial hurdles are cleared will Villa be in a position to pursue significant reinforcements—and one name that has emerged is that of Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste.
Villa Reportedly Target Jens Cajuste After Impressive Displays
According to Area Napoli, and as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are seriously considering a move for Napoli’s Jens Cajuste. The 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town, is now believed to be available for transfer at a modest fee of €10 million (approximately £8.5 million), making him an affordable and appealing option for Premier League clubs.
Despite Ipswich ultimately suffering relegation, Cajuste managed to shine in several key matches—none more so than in the 1-1 draw against Villa at Villa Park. In that game, Cajuste delivered a standout performance, particularly for his disciplined defensive work. He effectively nullified Villa’s creative force Morgan Rogers, limiting the playmaker to just one successful dribble and a disappointing one-third duel success rate.
Cajuste recorded three interceptions—the highest of any central midfielder on the pitch—and completed five recoveries, underlining his ball-winning capabilities and positional awareness. His composed performance in midfield drew praise from fans and pundits alike, and likely left a lasting impression on Unai Emery and his coaching staff.
McKenna Lauds Cajuste’s Growth and Physicality
During his loan spell, Cajuste earned regular commendations from Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who highlighted the midfielder’s progress both technically and physically. Speaking in April, McKenna remarked:
> “He’s a really terrifically talented footballer, but in terms of his robustness he’s making really good progress and he’s improved as the season’s gone on.”
That level of improvement, combined with his proven ability to compete in the English game, makes Cajuste a particularly attractive target for Villa, who are seeking affordable yet quality additions amid financial constraints.
A Smart, Strategic Move?
Should Villa finalize their PSR-balancing sales in time, a move for Cajuste could represent a savvy piece of business—particularly at the sub-£10m mark. Still only 24, the Swedish international brings a combination of defensive tenacity, tactical intelligence, and room for development. His experience in both Serie A and the Championship, along with his notable outing against Villa, make him a compelling option for Emery’s evolving midfield.
For now, though, everything hinges on the next few days. With financial compliance the immediate priority, Villa’s focus remains on exits. But once the books are balanced, the path could be clear for a summer reshaped by calculated, cost-effective recruitment—and Jens Cajuste may just be part of that vision.