Aston Villa signed a long-term Man United target. According to reports, Aston Villa has overcome the two main obstacles in their pursuit of Pau Torres, a longtime target of Manchester United.
The Athletic claims that the Villans and the Yellow Submarine have reached a deal about an unknown sum. The Premier League team and Torres’ camp have already reached a personal understanding.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have long-term transfer goals for the Spanish center-back, according to TalkSPORT. But it appears that the player has been signed by Aston Villa, under the direction of manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi.
After working together at Villarreal, Torres and Emery will now be reunited as a result of the deal. Emery led Aston Villa from a team struggling for Premier League survival to a seventh-place finish after leaving the Estadio de la Ceramica in October of last year.
They will participate in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs the following year. After nine years on Villarreal’s roster and 173 appearances in various tournaments, Torres, 26, is leaving the club.
The UEFA Europa League victory in the 2020–21 season, in which they defeated Manchester United in the final on penalties (1–1 A.E.T. ), was the Spaniard’s career-high during his tenure in Spain.
Torres will have competition for a spot in Emery’s backline from Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, and Ezra Konsa.
Wes Brown praises Manchester United player:
Erik ten Hag’s lack of confidence in Manchester United’s captain was clear from the numerous times Luke Shaw started in place of Harry Maguire at center defense.
But it also shows how much the Dutchman respects Shaw and how versatile the England international is. The former Southampton left-back participated in 11 different central defense games for Manchester United in the previous campaign.
Wes Brown, a former Red Devils defender, commented on Shaw’s recent exploits on the club’s official website: “We know him as a great left-back, but he’s been incredible [at center-back],” someone said. You would probably just make a few appearances there as a full-back until the other defenders all returned from injury.”
He added: “But because Luke has performed so well, he has essentially been the backup center-back. He just appears to read the game well, however, I’m not sure if he played there when he was younger. He has good air quality, and his positioning has improved throughout a few games.”
Shaw, 27, can be a good center-back option for Ten Hag next season because he still has four years left on his Old Trafford deal. However, the Red Devils would want to avoid that outcome and will aim to fortify their backline this summer.
Kim Min-Jae, one of their top defensive targets, will be moving from Napoli to Bayern Munich (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
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