Aston Villa are in the market for a new right back in the January 2025 transfer window, as Matty Cash has proven to be a mediocre option at the position for a Champions League-level side – and he needs some additional cover anyway.
In their pursuit of immediate depth, Aston Villa have been on the lookout for a number of right back options this winter, with most of the search focusing on LaLiga.
Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal star Juan Foyth, and Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza are the three most linked names. Mingueza appeared to be the favorite, but there are now understandably doubts about whether or not Villa are going to activate his 20 million euro release clause.
While Mingueza is having a strong season as a playmaker in Vigo with five LaLiga assists, the player is more of a wide midfielder than fullback and has always struggled defensively, dating back to his days at Barcelona.
According to a report from Diario de Almeria, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is eyeing UD Almeria right back Marcu Pubill as a potential alternative to Mingueza this winter.
Pubill is definitely a wild card option. The 21-year-old is highly promising and has made 12 starts with 5 additional substitute appearances this season, but he would be taking a huge leap in quality from the second division in Spain to the Premier League.
Aston Villa could only count on Pubill as a backup, if that. Monchi likes a philosophy of signing a mix of proven talents and young players to the squad, but because Cash isn’t a truly proven talent at right back, Pubill may not be the wisest choice as competition in the squad because he is so raw.
Still, Pubill is a name to watch, because if Monchi does like him, he’d be an easy enough target to sign in 2025 when the time is right.
