Aston Villa are reportedly keeping tabs on Osasuna centre-half Enzo Boyomo as we could bolster our defensive options this summer.
For a second straight season, Villa have struggled defensively and particularly in the Premier League, as we’ve conceded 49 goals in our 34 games thus far, giving us the second-worst defensive record of the top 10 sides in the standings.
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It was a decisive factor in our Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month, while a heavy 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in our FA Cup semi-final clash last weekend reinforced the point that we need to improve in that department.
According to The Telegraph, Boyomo has emerged on our transfer radar after impressing for Osasuna, as it’s reported that Emery and the management team admire the Cameroon international, but it could take a bid of €25m to trigger his release clause and prise him away from the La Liga side.
After spells with Blackburn at youth level, Albacete and Real Valladolid, Boyomo joined Osasuna in August 2024, and he has made 32 appearances this season, impressing with his defensive qualities, athleticism, physicality and composure in possession.
In turn, it remains to be seen if Villa believe him to be a great fit for our team and style of play, and whether or not a deal can be done with Osasuna, with any possible transfer hinging on if we believe he’s worth triggering the hefty release clause for.
With Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings, we have strong centre-half options available already, with Axel Disasi providing competition and depth after joining on loan in January.
The expectation is that he won’t be signed on a permanent transfer in the summer, and so that will leave Villa with a hole to fill as we try to upgrade in that area of the squad and shore things up defensively after another porous year at the back.
It’s felt that Villa’s transfer strategy will be significantly influenced on how this season finishes though, as although we remain in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot, we have ground to make up on our rivals, and it would certainly be a huge lift on and off the pitch if we are able to secure a return to Europe’s top table next year.
