Sources: Aston Villa progressing in talks to sign Spain international who played 66 times for Barcelona
Today at 05:15 AM
TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Aston Villa are making progress in talks to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza.
The Villans had a busy summer on the transfer front and they’re wasting no time in looking to strengthen their ranks in the January window.
In addition, Aston Villa are also set to be active in terms of outgoings, with Diego Carlos facing the prospect of a move away this month.
Aston Villa progressing in Oscar Mingueza talks as Diego Carlos camp in Fenerbahce discussions
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Aston Villa are progressing with talks over Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza.
The 25-year-old Spanish international has emerged as one of Unai Emery’s top January targets.
The club’s transfer chief Monchi was in attendance to watch Mingueza and Celta face Rayo Vallecano on Friday evening.
Villa are pushing ahead with a deal for Mingueza, but to do so they are looking to make room by allowing Diego Carlos to leave.
Carlos, who almost departed Villa last summer, is a target for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
His camp is now deep in talks about a move to Istanbul, with Villa having given him the green light to depart.
What Emery has said about Carlos future
Before their FA Cup clash with West Ham, when asked about Carlos, Emery commented: “When we are in the transfer window different options can happen with the players.
“Of course we can see how important Diego Carlos was and is for us because he played consistently with us, performing very well.
“Of course, like I told you before, we are thinking in different circumstances but always trying to link and get what is best for the club, for the team and for each player.
“After those circumstances we will analyse and always try to make the best decision.”
What Mingueza could bring to Aston Villa
Mingueza is a 25-year-old defender who can feature at centre-back, right-back, right wing-back and left-back.
He came through the ranks at Barcelona and made 66 appearances for the club before joining Celta Vigo on a free transfer in 2022.
Mingueza, who has also won two caps for Spain, has clocked up 82 appearances for Celta, registering four goals and eight assists.
When Mingueza joined Celta, he said, as quoted by Besoccer: “The style of football they play, attacking, pressing high, wanting to have the ball.
“It’s a bit of what I was looking for, what fits my style of play and what I’ve been doing all my life because at Barcelona it’s what they’ve taught us.”
Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig previously compared Mingueza to Gerard Pique, although the Villa target is certainly more versatile than his former Barca teammate.
