Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing one player who starred at Euro 2024 for his country.
It’s been a busy start to the summer transfer window for Unai Emery and Monchi, who have already welcomed five new faces to Bodymoor Heath.
Lewis Dobbin, Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley represent the arrivals of 2024/25 so far, with momentum not expected to slow.
Now, it’s been reported that Aston Villa could be tempted to lure a new defender to Villa Park, as Emery looks to bolster his back line ahead of next season.
Aston Villa make Euro 2024 star Jaka Bijol a transfer target
This week, it has been reported that Aston Villa have registered a ‘concrete’ interest in Jaka Bijol.
News in Italy reported the Villans admiration for the centre-back, whose Euro 2024 journey has just ended at the hands of Portugal.
While the Udinese defender will be devastated to see Slovenia’s time at the tournament end at the round of 16, it looks as though a new adventure could soon begin ahead of 2024/25.
An array of clubs are said to be eyeing the Villa target, who endured a difficult season in Serie A last term with Udinese.
Based on his Euro 2024 performances, it’s clear to see why Emery and Monchi are credited to be fans of the defender, who was described as putting in “monstrous” displays for his country by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Unai Emery could hand Pau Torres the perfect partner in Bijol
Aside from the fact that Bijol is a very good defender, Aston Villa could be more inclined to explore the Slovenian’s availability to ease one concern heading into 2024/25.
Journalist John Townley warned Villa of a ‘key issue’ in defence that must be solved, with depth required to ensure options are there for Emery to sufficiently rotate next term.
In Bijol, Monchi could not only hand Emery added quality in the position, but could also provide the Spaniard with the ideal partner for first-choice centre-back, Pau Torres.
Torres, who was signed from Villarreal last summer, showcased his progressive skill set to become a shining light at Villa Park last season.
One of the issues at Villa last term was the injury to Tyrone Mings, which left Torres without a consistent partner at centre-back, as Ezri Konsa alternated on the right side throughout the campaign.
The differences between Bijol and Torres could form the foundations for a budding partnership in defence, as highlighted in the table above.
As portrayed, the Slovenian is a far less progressive outlet in defence, however, could complement the Spaniard’s lack of defensive cover to allow him to step forward and do what he does best.
One key issue that Emery must solve next season is how many goals Villa concede, letting in at least 20 more than their top four neighbours in 2023/24.
By signing Bijol, the Villa boss could have an added aerial presence and overall commanding figure at the back to guide Torres, who excels in other areas of the role.
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