Aston Villa are monitoring another potential transfer target from outside Europe as they continue their search for a new goalkeeper.
Aston Villa have recently been sanctioned by UEFA for another breach of its financial regulations. With fines that could reportedly reach £19.4 million, the punishment may have an impact on the club’s transfer plans this summer.
As a result, Unai Emery’s side may have to work with a more restricted budget when strengthening the squad. That could force the Lions to look further afield, keeping tabs on emerging talents outside Europe’s major leagues.
One of the latest names on Villa’s radar is River Plate shot stopper, Santiago Beltran. The 21-year-old is the second player from outside Europe to be linked with the club recently after reports of their interest in Ecuador international Pedro Vite, who currently plays for Liga MX side UNAM Pumas.
According to El Crack Deportivo, via Sport Witness, Villa are closely monitoring the Argentine goalkeeper.
“Aston Villa have the 21-year-old firmly on their radar as a potential future signing. The report stops short of suggesting negotiations are underway. Instead, it states there have been no offers or formal talks so far, although River Plate are aware European interest could soon develop into something more concrete.”
Beltran remains under contract with River Plate until December 2027. Los Millonarios’ head coach Eduardo Coudet is keen to keep the youngster at the club and continue his development as their long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
However, interest from Europe is beginning to grow. Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring his progress, with Chelsea also reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.
River Plate are believed to be open to a sale if a club meets Beltran’s release clause, which stands at around £18.3 million. That fee would be considerably lower than the asking prices for several of Villa’s other reported goalkeeper targets, including Guillaume Restes, James Trafford, Zion Suzuki and Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.
Beltran was promoted to River Plate’s senior squad in 2024 before making his first-team debut in January this year. Since then, he has made 26 appearances across all competitions, keeping 13 clean sheets, including matches in the Copa Sudamericana.
The young goalkeeper also earned his senior Argentina debut last month, coming on as a late substitute for Juan Musso against Honduras in a friendly. He played the final nine minutes of the match ahead of the World Cup.
According to FotMob, Beltran possesses many of the qualities expected of a modern goalkeeper. Having started as a forward in his youth before switching to goalkeeper while joining River Plate youth team, he is comfortable playing as a sweeper and has successfully performed that role on several occasions this year.
His passing accuracy stands at an encouraging 68.5%, while he boasts a save percentage of 75.8% and has recorded 11 successful high claims so far this season.
Villa’s pursuit of Beltran is likely to depend on the future of Emiliano Martínez, whose expected departure may only be finalised after the World Cup. Should negotiations for more established targets prove difficult, Beltran could emerge as a more affordable alternative for Unai Emery’s side.
The post Aston Villa eyeing another new transfer target from outside Europe again appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.