Aston Villa are one of the best teams in European football at proactively utilizing the transfer market to enhance their squad weaknesses and bring on players who can be a part of their club’s identity for years, such as Pau Torres.
After qualifying for the Champions League last season to cement their rise under the former great Sevilla duo of Unai Emery and Monchi, Aston Villa have found themselves in a bit of a predicament this season in a more competitive Premier League.
In order to secure another top-four finish, Aston Villa are going to have to make some major signings this winter, and while they are on the precipice of acquiring players to fill their biggest team needs at right back and right winger, they could use additional difference-makers elsewhere.
Aston Villa may be headed for a deal to sign a top player who has flown under the radar of far too many big clubs for years, Sevilla star center back Loic Bade, who is undoubtedly one of the best center backs and one of the most underrated players overall in world football.
According to a report from Diario AS, Aston Villa have Bade rated highly on their wishlist of targets. Separate photos showed Monchi recently at the Sevilla vs. Valencia game, potentially scouting talent in the LaLiga fixture.
Bade could be for sale this year, and if he were to be sold, he is reportedly valued at 25 million euros, which is an absolute bargain deal for a legitimately world-class center back who is just entering his prime.
Just three years ago, Bade played a crucial role in Sevilla winning the Europa League over Roma in an incredible midseason turnaround, with the young Frenchman forming one of the continent’s best partnerships with long-time LaLiga legend Sergio Ramos.
Now, Bade is the leader at the back, and he could be a world-class third center back to add to Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa, who are a top duo. With Torres currently injured and Tyrone Mings having to start, Villa could use a January 2025 signing to fill the void.
