Aston Villa to 'continue' transfer pursuit of former Nottingham Forest flop

Aston Villa have the chance to bring in some new faces over the next couple of months. They have the opportunity to add more quality to their squad. The Midlands outfit can also let some players head out the exit door should they wish to.

Unai Emery was picked as their manager back in 2022. He has since had an impressive spell so far at Villa Park. The Spaniard has also managed the likes of PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal in the past, among others.

Aston Villa still keen on Loic Bade swoop

According to ABC, Aston Villa ‘continue’ to keep tabs on Sevilla defender Loic Bade. They are being linked with the defender again this summer. However, they face competition from Bayer Leverkusen in pursuit of his signature.

Bade, 25, has been with his current club since 2023. He linked up with the La Liga side on an initial loan deal before the move was later made permanent. The France international, who has made one cap so far, has made 93 appearances in all competitions, 33 of which came this past season.

The 6ft 3inc man had spells as a youngster with the likes of Paris FC, Le Havre and Lens before Rennes came calling in 2021. He then spent two years on the books of the Ligue 1 team, some of which he spent out on loan at Nottingham Forest. However, he couldn’t break into the first-team at the City Ground and didn’t enjoy his time in England.

What now for Aston Villa target Loic Bade?

Aston Villa could see Bade as someone to boost their defensive ranks. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth at the back. He may feel he has a point to prove in the Premier League after his tough stint at Nottingham Forest.

He has recently opened up about his time with the Reds and has said: “I’m in from the dark. I am coming from very far back. I was lucky to go to Sevilla after my loan at Nottingham Forest. There were lots of doubts that were creeping in. What I experienced there was one of the worst situations for a player. You start asking yourself questions: ‘Am I still at the level?’, ‘Am I not just a fraud?’ (laughs). It is a vicious circle. The less you play, the more confidence you lose. And when you do play, you fear playing badly.”

Nottingham Forest landed Bade shortly after their promotion from the Championship. Steve Cooper was their manager at the time and they were fresh off the back of their play-off final win at Wembley over Huddersfield Town. The player was still young back then and although it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare move, he will have still learnt a lot.

It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa will be able to get him through the entrance door. His situation depends on what Sevilla plan to do with him. He still gets regular minutes there and is a valuable member of their squad so could be pricey.