Aston Villa ‘pushing’ to sign Morocco World Cup hero - Unai Emery has already given green light

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who became a World Cup hero in a penalty shootout for Morocco against Spain on Tuesday. The 31-year-old saved twice to help his side to an unexpected victory in a Round of 16 clash that went the distance.

Although Morocco have impressed throughout the tournament in Qatar, not many people expected they could beat one of the World Cup favourites. But they did, and a lot of the reason why was due to Bounou’s shootout heroics.

It was reported recently by Estadio Deportivo that Unai Emery is ‘pushing’ to bring Bounou to Villa Park, with the Lions holding a strong interest in the man between the sticks. Tuesday’s performance will only boost that intrigue further, especially as Emery has already reportedly given the green light for any potential deal.

Fans have taken to social media to urge Villa to push even harder. @AVFCStatto said: “Yassine Bounou. Sign him up,” whereas @Jannetts_ wrote: “Okay, I now want Bounou at Villa.” No wonder supporters are keen, as the Canada-born ‘keeper has been a regular starter for Sevilla in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Since arriving at the club in 2020, Bounou has made 120 appearances for Sevilla, conceded 109 goals and kept 53 clean sheets. He was voted the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world by FIFA last year and even grabbed a surprise goal in March 2021, as he netted a late equaliser against Valladolid.