Premier League Clubs Face Transfer Frustration as Timber Opts for French Move
Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa have encountered another significant setback in their January transfer window pursuit of midfield reinforcements, with target Quinten Timber reportedly agreeing to join French club Marseille instead.
Villa's Midfield Search Continues After Double Blow
Aston Villa's attempts to strengthen their midfield options have suffered consecutive disappointments this month. The Birmingham-based club had previously been linked with a move for England international Conor Gallagher, only to see Tottenham Hotspur secure his signature with a permanent offer that trumped Villa's proposed loan arrangement.
This latest development represents a second blow for manager Unai Emery, who had identified Timber as a potential solution to his midfield concerns. The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder had reportedly grown unsettled at PSV Eindhoven, creating what appeared to be an ideal opportunity for Premier League clubs to make their move.
Marseille Secure Verbal Agreement for Timber
According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Marseille have moved decisively to secure Timber's services from Feyenoord. The Italian reporter confirmed on social media platform X that a verbal agreement has been reached between the player and the French club regarding personal terms.
"Olympique Marseille are set to sign Quinten Timber from Feyenoord, here we go soon!" Romano posted. "Verbal agreement done with Timber on the salary and talks at final stages with Feyenoord on transfer fee. Final club to club details being sorted in next 24h as Timber wants #OM."
West Ham Also Miss Out on Dutch Midfielder
The transfer disappointment extends beyond Villa Park, with West Ham United also reportedly interested in the Feyenoord midfielder. The Daily Mail had identified both Premier League clubs as potential destinations for Timber, whose brother Jurrien currently plays for Arsenal.
Caught Offside had previously reported that Arsenal themselves had been monitoring Timber's progress, though the Gunners never formalised their interest with a concrete offer during this transfer window.
Managerial Dispute Accelerates Timber's Exit
Timber's departure from Feyenoord comes amid a deteriorating relationship with manager Robin van Persie. The midfielder made his frustrations public following a recent substitute appearance against Sparta Rotterdam, criticising his manager's handling of the situation.
"I think it's a shame what the coach said, that it happened this way," Timber stated post-match. "It's happened a few times now that the coach doesn't protect the player. You can have an opinion, but say it to my face. This was the limit."
The 24-year-old, who has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season, added: "Everyone at the club knows I give everything in the match, and I did that today. If I have to play at right back, I do it for my team. It feels like a charade."
Villa's Midfield Crisis Deepens
This transfer setback compounds existing concerns at Aston Villa, where midfielder Boubacar Kamara faces a potential season-ending injury. The French international's absence has created an urgent need for quality reinforcements if Villa are to maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
Villa had already been actively searching for midfield additions before learning the full extent of Kamara's injury, but their task has now become increasingly urgent. The club's recruitment team must quickly identify alternative targets as the January transfer window enters its final stages.
Both Aston Villa and West Ham United now face intensified pressure to secure midfield signings before the transfer deadline, with their initial target now seemingly destined for Ligue 1 football with Marseille.
