Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Confirms Interest in Signing Juan Foyth from Villarreal

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to sign Villarreal defender Juan Foyth, whom he previously worked with, to strengthen his team's defense.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his team's defense by signing a new centre-back before the January transfer window closes. The need for reinforcements has become more pressing following Diego Carlos' move to Fenerbahce and Pau Torres' injury. Emery's search for a reliable centre-back has led him to consider Villarreal defender Juan Foyth, whom he previously worked with at Villarreal.

Aston Villa's injury woes continued on Sunday, as Tyrone Mings limped off with a knee problem during the 1-1 draw against West Ham. This was Mings' 10th game back after a 445-day absence due to an ACL injury. The latest setback has further emphasized the need for Emery to bolster his defensive options.

Emery was asked about the possibility of signing Foyth, and while he did not confirm any imminent deal, he expressed his admiration for the player. “Monchi (Villa's sporting director) and the club are looking at different players, the profile,” Emery said. “Of course I know Juan Foyth because I worked with him. He is one player, with his quality, he can unite and play with the qualities and the performance we want to add in the squad.”

🟣🔵 Aston Villa are pushing to get Juan Foyth deal done with Villarreal.

Unai Emery: “Of course, I know Juan Foyth because I know him and one player with his quality, he can play with the performance we want to add to the squad”. pic.twitter.com/baJBWh0JlG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2025

Tyrone Mings' injury setback was a worrying moment for Aston Villa, but fortunately, initial tests suggest that the damage is not too severe. Mings left the pitch in tears after suffering the injury to his left knee just after the half-hour mark. However, he returned to watch the second half in a happier mood, smiling and giving fans the thumbs up.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery provided an update on Mings' injury, stating that the initial tests were encouraging. “The first tests we did, I think it is not a really bad injury or thinking it will be a long time,” Emery said. While the full extent of the injury is still to be determined, Emery expressed optimism that Mings would not be sidelined for an extended period. “Tomorrow we will test again and we will know how important the injury is. Hopefully not a lot,” he added.

Aston Villa's draw against West Ham was a setback to their Premier League top-four hopes, highlighting the team's struggles to balance their domestic and European commitments. This was the sixth time Villa have failed to win in the league after a midweek European game this season. With a crucial Champions League showdown against Celtic looming on Wednesday, Villa have little time to dwell on this setback. A win against Celtic could earn Emery's men automatic qualification for the last 16, but if they finish outside the top eight in the Champions League, they will have to enter a play-off round to reach the last 16.