Aston Villa could emerge as a way out of the Middle East for a defender who used to play under Jose Mourinho in Italy.
Aston Villa have been actively seeking potential defensive targets. They are seemingly preparing for the possible departure of Ezri Konsa, as Arsenal appear ready to meet their asking price. They have to be prepared for every possibility despite their preference not to lose the 28-year-old defender.
Their latest target is former AS Roma man Roger Ibanez, who played under Jose Mourinho from 2021 to 2023. According to the report in Sport Witness, Villa are the current frontrunners to sign the center back who is currently plying his trade in Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli.
“The defender has attracted interest from the Premier League and Aston Villa are already making moves behind the scenes, even if a formal offer has yet to arrive.”
The 27-year-old centre-back left AS Roma to join Al Ahli in the summer of 2023. His current contract runs until 2027. Ibanez was due to hold talks over a contract extension when Aston Villa made their approach.
Their interest has apparently caught his attention. The Brazilian has reportedly put contract extension talks on hold as he is considering a return to Europe. The opportunity to play in the Champions League under Unai Emery is surely too good to miss.
At the moment, there has yet to be an official bid from The Clarets and Blue. They are reportedly still working behind the scenes to negotiate the details before submitting an offer.
For now, The Lions appear to be the only confirmed suitors, although several unnamed clubs are also reportedly monitoring him. Villa’s move for Ibanez could depend on Konsa’s decision this summer.
Ibanez is a versatile defender. He can be deployed at right-back as well as at centre-back. The former Atalanta man has been a key figure in Al Ahli’s success in winning the AFC Champions League two years in a row, as well as the Saudi Super Cup. Previously, he helped Roma win the 2022 UEFA Conference League and reach the Europa League final the following season.
Based on the data from FotMob, Ibanez’s form with the Giallorossi was outstanding. In his final season under Mourinho in 2022/23, his Serie A xG was 3.00, while his xA stood at 0.88. His pass completion rate was 88%, while his long-ball accuracy reached 53.4%. His successful dribble rate was an impressive 65%, whereas his duel success rate was 62.5%. Ibanez made 235 defensive actions, including 67 tackles, 66 interceptions, 11 blocked shots, and 91 clearances.
Overall, the defender, who featured once at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, made 149 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in all competitions during his time at Roma. With such versatility and a respectable goalscoring record, Emery could have the ideal replacement for Konsa.
The post Aston Villa could be a way out of the Middle East for the ex-Jose Mourinho man appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
