After leading his team to an outstanding 2022/23 Premier League campaign that resulted in a 7th-place finish, Unai Emery is looking to improve his squad in the hope of repeating – and even furthering – this success. According to Fabrizio Romano, the former La Liga manager has found a player to do just that at his former stomping ground in Villareal CF. Aston Villa and the Yellow Submarine have agreed to a £35 million move for a player admired by both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool: Pau Torres.
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Romano has now given his “here we go” on this deal, claiming that a contract has been agreed upon between the defender and the midlands club while medicals are already being scheduled.
Aston Villa Set to Sign Tottenham and Liverpool-Admired Pau Torres
How Aston Villa Will Utilize Pau Torres
Having conquered the Europa League together in the 20/21 season, Emery will likely start Torres in the left centre-back role. Despite this spot being occupied by Tyrone Mings, the left-footed Spaniard is four years younger and has more experience in European tournaments: an undoubtedly valuable quality considering Villa’s upcoming campaign in the UEFA Conference League.
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If the centre-back can live up to the Real Madrid potential that he is said to have, the Villans could not only compete but excel in their first campaign abroad since the 2010/11 season.
In addition to Torres’ reliable defending, Emery will likely take advantage of his passing attributes as well. The 26-year-old was 4th in Spain’s top-flight last season when it comes to completed passes.
Alongside new teammate Youri Tielemans, the pair could very well improve the quality of ball distribution at Villa Park: allowing for more goals to be scored in the process.
Unpredictable 2023/24 Season From Tottenham to Liverpool to Villa
Although this transfer will certainly upgrade the defence of the Birmingham-based club, it’s very uncertain where they will finish this season.
With James Maddison among those signing for Tottenham Hotspur, Alexis Mac Allister going to Liverpool, and Chelsea already acquiring a host of players, it appears that the competition at the top of the table is substantially improving: posing a threat to Villa’s spot.
However, their newest recruit should certainly offer a solution when it comes to consistency, a much-need characteristic for teams in the top half of the standings.
Main image credit: Phil Base, CC BY-NC 2.0.
