Aston Villa transfer boost as Barcelona make unusual plea for €20m defender

Aston Villa’s potential pursuit of Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza could be aided by Barcelona not being interested as they were previously reported to be.

Claims from Spain suggested Barça were in the race to re-sign Mingueza two years on from his departure to Vigo but updated reports since instead imply the Catalan giants are merely monitoring his situation.

Mundo Deportivo has published that Barcelona are watching Mingueza closely this winter as they have a 50 per cent sell-on clause and are hoping Celta sell him, in turn providing a financial boost. Such funds would arrive in a timely manner as Barça are currently struggling to meet monetary La Liga regulations.

Hansi Flick’s side suffered a double blow last week as they were told to de-register two of their summer signings - Dani Olmo and Pau Victor - after failing to adhere to the Spanish top flight’s strict wage structure. Barcelona have since taken La Liga to court in the hope they can avoid having both Olmo and Victor unavailable for the rest of the season.

It’s unlikely a windfall payment from Mingueza’s sale would directly solve in this situation in any way but it’d certainly help Barcelona’s overall financial outlook. If Villa are to activate the defender’s release clause of €20 million (£16.6m), Barça would receive €10 million (£8.3m).

Latest on Oscar Mingueza to Aston Villa

Birmingham World understands Unai Emery is currently considering a host of right-back options, all of whom are on a shortlist. Mingueza is one of those of interest but Villa are yet to decide whether to go forward and activate the player’s release clause.

Recently called up to the Spain squad to play all 90 minutes in a 3-2 Nations League win over Switzerland, Mingueza rejoined the international setup for the first time since his debut in 2021. The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for Celta and he didn’t miss a single La Liga fixture last season.

Mingueza being capable of playing as a centre-half or as a right wing-back make him all the more appealing to Villa as Emery wants a versatile option to add depth in more areas than one. Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash are likely to remain ahead in the pecking order but Mingueza could force his way in once he’s settled.

Another candidate to be signed at right-back is Wesley from Flamengo. Two separate reports from Brazil last week indicated Villa had seen a first bid rebuffed for the 21-year-old but talks could reopen. Flamengo are said to be unwilling to sell the right-back as he’s one of their star assets but they could be tempted by a significant offer.

It’s unknown just how much Flamengo would need to crack but Italian Serie A title challengers Atalanta saw a €20 million (£16.6m) approach accepted in the summer. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side so nearly signed Wesley but the deal fell through at the last minute as Flamengo wanted to keep the player until the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores.