Aston Villa have officially signed Amadou Onana from Everton for a £50m fee plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. Onana has agreed to a long-term contract with Villa.
After qualifying for the Champions League in the 2023-24 season, Villa are looking to strengthen their squad further. The sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus left a gap in their midfield, which Onana is expected to fill effectively.
Onana, 22, is known for his defensive prowess, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles won and aerial duels won per 90 minutes. A regular for Belgium, he played a crucial role in Everton’s fight against relegation last season. With Villa’s more fluid playstyle, Onana’s on-ball abilities are expected to improve, including his progressive passes per 90.
Last season, Villa struggled in midfield defense, ranking second-last in tackles won and having the fewest tackles made in the middle and attacking thirds. Onana’s arrival should help address these issues, making Villa stronger contenders for the top four.
