Aston Villa's £50m Star Amadou Onana Nearing Summer Exit Amid 'World-Class Club' Ambitions
An Aston Villa exit claim has emerged ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window, with reports suggesting a major first-team star could be on the move. The Villans have seen midfielder Amadou Onana linked with a departure, as the player expresses ambitions to join a top-tier club.
Villa's Strong Season and Transfer Implications
Aston Villa have stepped up significantly under manager Unai Emery this season, currently closing in on a Champions League place with 12 matches remaining in the Premier League. The team holds a five-point lead over fourth-placed Manchester United and an eight-point buffer ahead of sixth place, with five Champions League spots expected for English clubs this term. However, Villa were eliminated from the FA Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United, a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions that largely favoured Villa despite the loss.
This summer's transfer window will be crucial for Villa as they aim to cement their status as Premier League heavyweights. Avoiding key exits is mandatory, but a latest update indicates one star might be heading out.
Onana's Potential Departure and Big-Money Demands
According to reports by Football Insider, Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is believed to be open to departing Villa Park and is 'closing in on an exit'. This follows a recent interview where the 24-year-old Belgian spoke of wanting to transfer to a 'world-class club', suggesting his long-term future lies away from the West Midlands.
Football Insider states that Onana is 'edging closer' to an exit this summer, but it will take 'big money' for Villa to sell the midfielder. Villa signed Onana for £50 million from Everton in 2024, and they are likely to hold out for a profit on any sale. Onana has previously been linked with top clubs such as Manchester United and Barcelona, ultimately choosing Villa as his next step after Everton, but he might be tempted if similar interest resurfaces.
The holding midfielder has made 58 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring seven goals during his time at the club.
Expert Insight on Onana's Future
Former Villa scout Mick Brown commented to Football Insider on the situation, saying, 'It wouldn't surprise me to see Onana leave Villa.' He added, 'On one hand, you can look at his ambitions to play at the top level as positive, but suggesting he can't achieve it with Villa might not go down well.'
Brown praised Onana's abilities, noting, 'He's a player I've been very impressed with since he came to Villa, and he's good enough at his best to play for a top club.' However, he raised concerns about consistency, saying, 'I'd have questions about his consistency which might put some clubs off.'
He concluded, 'Even if he wants to leave, it has to be for the right price—a big fee. Interest is there, but whether a move is possible depends on Villa.'
