Aston Villa are currently holding talks to sign a Senegal international to add depth to their midfield.
Aston Villa’s transfer business has begun, with one target already receiving an official offer. Senegal international Dion Lopy has emerged as Villa’s latest target. According to a report in La Voz de Almeria, the West Midlands side have submitted an official bid to his current club, Almeria.
“Villa have submitted an initial offer of £14.7m for the midfielder, although that is a little short of Almeria’s £17m asking price.”
The 24-year-old midfielder is currently under contract until 2029. As a result, Almeria are under no pressure to sell him. Lopy is one of their key players, and his presence will be crucial in their bid to secure promotion back to La Liga after falling short this season.
Therefore, unless Villa or other interested clubs such as Everton and Atletico Madrid are prepared to meet the asking price, Lopy is likely to stay. However, that may not be the case if either The Lions or Los Rojiblancos can offer him the chance to play in the Champions League. That prospect is certainly more appealing than fighting for promotion to Spain’s topflight.
There is one advantage Villa could potentially utilise. Dion Lopy is represented by British agency CAA Stellar, the same agency that represents Ezri Konsa. That connection could help accelerate negotiations.
Dion Lopy has been with Almeria since 2023 after previously being part of Stade Reims’ squad from 2020. So far, he has made 101 appearances for the Spanish side, scoring four goals and providing five assists in all competitions.
Lopy has been described as the new “Felipe Melo”, the Brazilian defensive midfielder Unai Emery worked with during his time at Almeria between 2006 and 2008. He excels through his work rate, physical presence and determination to win the ball. Such qualities were arguably lacking in Aston Villa’s midfield depth last season.
Based on data from FotMob, Lopy recorded 115 defensive actions during the campaign, including 29 clearances, 59 tackles and 10 blocked shots. He also won 58.4 per cent of his duels and completed 60 per cent of his dribbles.
In the attacking phase, Lopy also contributed effectively. He registered a 40 per cent cross-completion rate and 69 per cent accuracy with long balls, while creating 22 chances last season. The Senegal international, who has earned five caps, also posted an xG of 3.15 and managed 35 shots, 12 of which were on target, including headers.
Lopy can definitely be a great addition to Unai Emery’s side. The Spanish boss can rotate the squad easily without sacrificing the quality. The product of Oslo Football Academy can be a long term investment for Villa too.
The post Aston Villa in talks to sign Senegal international for bolstering the midfield appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.