Aston Villa continue to be on the hunt for a Matty Cash replacement at right back, and that position remains atop the team’s list of biggest needs to address in the January transfer market, alongside the right wing position.
While Aston Villa have zeroed in on Borussia Dortmund standout Donyell Malen as their right winger of choice, the field is a little more wide open when it comes to right backs, especially since it is such a scarce position to find Champions League-quality talent.
Currently in the Champions League but outside the top four in the Premier League, there is an impetus for Unai Emery and Monchi to find the best possible option at right back, and it seems like all roads are leading to the Spanish top flight, which, of course, is a transfer rumor mill favorite when it comes to Villa.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, which primarily covers Barcelona, Aston Villa have now made their intention known to mid-table LaLiga side Celta Vigo that they would like to activate the 20 million euro release clause for Oscar Mingueza, a former Barcelona academy product.
In a more attacking role, Mingueza has been more impressive for Celta than he was at Barcelona, where he often struggled defensively, especially at center back against top competition in the Champions League and LaLiga (most namely Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior).
Mingueza has since become one of the best playmaking wide players in the Spanish league, as he is currently sitting on two goals and five assists in the 2024/25 LaLiga season.
But Mingueza is playing as more of a midfielder than a fullback. He is showing versatility as a right or left-sided player, but Celta Vigo have been mostly utilizing him in transitions and shielding him from defensive duties.
Aston Villa would be wise to show some level of interest in Mingueza, because he is a talented footballer entering his prime at the age of 25. But is he really that much better than Cash? Is he worth 20 million euros?
It’s hard to believe that Aston Villa are ready to pounce on Mingueza, and other LaLiga right back options like Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu may be better options for the Lions.
