Aston Villa is reportedly showing interest in a new midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, adding to a busy week of transfer speculation. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been linked with 21 potential arrivals and 7 possible departures. While the hottest storyline currently revolves around Bailey Rice, the updates below cover the latest news on some of the most significant transfer rumours connected to the club.
Tijjani Reijnders
On Friday, The Daily Briefing first reported that Manchester City's 27-year-old Dutch midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, is the subject of interest from Arsenal and other clubs. Numerous other sources have also named Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and his former club AC Milan as teams observing his circumstances, though it is not yet clear if he is a primary target for any of them. Some sources have suggested a departure is unlikely in the near future, with a final decision expected after a planned meeting between the player and the club at the end of the season. According to one source, the player is not actively seeking a transfer, and the club may be unwilling to sell him shortly after his arrival in June 2025, as his contract runs until 2030.
Hidemasa Morita
Hidemasa Morita, a 30-year-old Japanese international, has been closely monitored by Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion, according to reports on Thursday. The midfielder, who is approaching the end of his contract with Sporting, is expected to become a free agent. Leeds United are considered the favourites to sign him and are in advanced discussions, with sources confirming talks have occurred via intermediaries. FC Porto has also expressed interest, and clubs in France, Germany, and Italy have reportedly made enquiries. Reports in Portugal, which have been confirmed by sources, state that Morita is intrigued by the prospect of a move to the Premier League.
Harvey Elliott
An update on Friday revealed that Harvey Elliott, who is on loan at Aston Villa, has featured infrequently in the Premier League recently because of a permanent purchase clause in his contract. Manager Unai Emery has been using the attacking midfielder predominantly in the Europa League. Elliott would become a Villa player permanently if he makes 10 Premier League appearances, with the club contractually bound to pay £35 million for him. So far, the 23-year-old has made only five league appearances for the Villans.
Jadon Sancho
On Wednesday, it was reported that Jadon Sancho will be released when his contract expires in the summer of 2026. Recent reports from TEAMtalk suggest that while Borussia Dortmund are the favourites to sign the winger, Aston Villa are still in contention and have held encouraging talks.
Pierre Kalulu
Aston Villa are monitoring Pierre Kalulu, who is an option for several Premier League clubs, according to reports on Wednesday. Caught Offside noted that there is a strong suspicion he will be sold for approximately 40 million euros (£34.5m) this summer, with Man Utd and Aston Villa also interested. However, on the same day, sources close to Juventus stated the club does not intend to sell Kalulu and views him as central to their long-term project, with some suggesting a new contract is being prepared for the defender.
Benjamin Nygren
According to a TEAMtalk report on Thursday, Celtic expect interest in Benjamin Nygren from Aston Villa. Previously, Keith Wyness had named Aston Villa as an interested party in the 24-year-old Swedish winger, along with Bournemouth and Brighton. Wyness stated that his sources indicate Valencia is the most likely club to sign the player. Celtic hold a strong negotiating position as Nygren's contract runs until 2029, and reports from April 2026 suggested potential bids could reach £26 million.
Matías Soulé
On Thursday, Il Messaggero reported that more than one Premier League club is interested in Matías Soulé, with Aston Villa being one specific example. The report states that Roma does not consider him unsellable and is required to realize 80 million in capital gains. Soulé is a candidate to leave on the condition that a potential buyer offers a minimum of 30 million. A week prior, it was reported that both Aston Villa and Bournemouth have only requested information to date.
For all the latest transfer news, check the Aston Villa club page.
