Why Aston Villa’s search for Onana’s replacement could backfire

Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Celta Vigo’s Ilaix Moriba as they seek a replacement for the injured Amadou Onana. The Belgium midfielder’s World Cup ended prematurely with a snapped anterior cruciate ligament, leaving Unai Emery scrambling to plug a central void before the club’s return to the Champions League.

Villa’s reported interest in Moriba comes amid a flurry of Spanish media speculation. Faro de Vigo, via Sport Witness, claims the injury has accelerated talks, but the report provides no evidence of fresh contact or concrete negotiations. The link appears to be a recycled transfer rumor rather than an imminent deal.

Moriba, 24, has rebuilt his career in La Liga after a difficult spell with RB Leipzig. Last season he featured in 36 league games for Celta Vigo, scoring twice. The Galician club paid £5.2m to sign him permanently last summer, locking him down until 2029. His output, however, raises questions. He managed just 152 defensive contributions across the entire campaign, a figure that falls short for a Premier League pivot.

Defensive discipline is another concern. Moriba collected eight yellow cards in 2025/26, highlighting a tendency to lose composure under pressure. Emery’s system demands an assertive, disciplined ball-winner, not a mercurial presence who drifts from high-stakes matches.

The Midlands club’s recruitment team must tread carefully. Brighton and Juventus previously cooled interest in Moriba for the same tactical reasons. A panic purchase after a major tournament injury rarely ends well, and Villa cannot afford to overpay for a profile that does not fit.

Villa return to Europe’s elite competition this summer, intensifying the need for defensive cover. The window to secure a suitable replacement is closing, but the club’s hierarchy will be wary of repeating past missteps in the transfer market.

With the summer window approaching its final phase, Emery’s options are narrowing. A premium fee for Moriba would represent a financial gamble on a player whose numbers and temperament do not align with Aston Villa’s needs.