Recent reports from Mick Brown of Football Insider suggest that Belgian international midfielder Amadou Onana could look for a big move away from Aston Villa in the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite only joining the West Midlands club in 2024 for a substantial £50 million fee from Everton, the player recently hinted that he wants to join a world-class club.
Amadou Onana Eyes Elite Move Away From Villa Park
Former Villa scout Mick Brown believes the 24-year-old has clear talent. However, his comments about wanting more than Villa Park might create tension within the squad. Previous interest from Manchester United and Barcelona adds context to the situation. Villa beat those giants to secure his signature.
The club remain in a strong position because his contract runs until 2029. Any club that want him will have to make a huge offer to convince the hierarchy. Villa could consider player sales to manage their finances. However, they will not let an important player leave for a low fee.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Onana leave Villa. On one hand, you can look at the fact he’s got these ambitions to play at the top level as a positive thing given what Villa are trying to achieve.
“But the fact he seemed to suggest he couldn’t achieve it with Villa and wants to go to a bigger club, I’m not convinced that will go down particularly well.
“He’s a player I’ve been very impressed with since he came to Villa, he’s surprised me. I can see where he’s coming from in terms of I think he could make that big move happen, he’s good enough at his best to play for a top club.
“I’m not sure about whether he is at that level all the time, I’d have questions about his consistency which might put some of these clubs off of a move.
“The thing is, even if he wants to leave Villa and they say okay we’ll let you go, it has to be for the right price and it’s going to take a big fee to get him out. I don’t doubt the interest is there, and I don’t doubt he might want to make a step away from Villa, but whether it’s going to be possible is up to them.”
The Midfield Anchor: Can Villa Keep Their Star?
The current state of English football puts Aston Villa in a tricky position. They must balance success on the pitch with strict financial rules. Amadou Onana also plays an important role for the Belgium national team. He brings strength and presence that few midfielders can match in today’s game. His 2025/2026 season shows clear technical improvement.
Onana often controls the middle of the pitch and keeps a 90% passing accuracy in European matches. Critics like Brown highlight moments where he lacks consistency. However, top European scouts pay close attention to his unique combination of height and mobility. Manchester United and Barcelona are still looking for stability in midfield. That keeps the Belgian high on their list of targets.
If a transfer happens, Villa will ask for a fee well above what they originally paid. The price would reflect his growth and rising value. The situation also highlights the tension between the player’s career ambitions and the club’s long-term plans under Unai Emery. The season is coming to an end.
Fans often feel disappointed when a key player talks about moving to a bigger stage. That feeling becomes stronger when the team are fighting near the top of the table. Whether the Birmingham club can persuade him that their plans match his ambitions remains the big question for the summer.
The importance of a strong defensive midfielder is clear in modern football. Villa would need to sign someone of similar quality and intelligence if Onana leaves. His profile suits almost any Champions League club looking for a long-term option in midfield. For now, the owners remain in control because of his long-term contract.
