AdminAston Villa could be without Amadou Onana for the entire 2026-27 campaign, leaving Unai Emery facing a major midfield headache ahead of the new season.
Supporters have been left stunned by the latest developments at Villa Park, with Ezri Konsa joining Morgan Rogers and potentially Ollie Watkins among the players linked with moves away.
Villa’s squad is already stretched. Although Boubacar Kamara has returned from injury, Youri Tielemans’ move to Manchester United has left Emery desperately short of options in midfield.
Onana’s ACL injury suffered at the 2026 World Cup has increased the need for reinforcements, but time is quickly running out.
According to LAFM (19 August), Racing Santander midfielder Gustavo Puerta has emerged as a serious target, following a “direct request” from Emery to sign the 23-year-old Colombian international.
Puerta reportedly has a €20million (£17.2m) release clause, which Villa could trigger this summer. Emery’s side are described as “best positioned” to land the defensive midfielder, despite competition from Nottingham Forest and several other clubs.
Barcelona’s Marc Bernal had also been considered, although Football Insider claims Villa cannot afford a deal this summer.
Ross Barkley and Lamare Bogarde remain midfield options, while Victor Lindelof could provide cover, but none are likely to fully replace Onana.
Joao Palhinha was previously close to joining Villa, but that move now appears increasingly unlikely.
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