Aston Villa move decisively for free transfer- Villans competition ‘tough match to win’

Oscar Mingueza will leave Celta Vigo at the end of this month and a move to Aston Villa is increasingly likely.

Back in April, Sport Witness covered how the defender has had no contact with the Spanish club over a renewal. The Villans and Fulham were in the picture to sign him, with a transfer to England seen as possible.

The situation has remained the same, with Mingueza’s contract set to run out at the end of June. He played 34 times in La Liga during the 2025/26 campaign, also featuring 11 times in the Europa League.

Aston Villa have previously tried to sign him and Unai Emery’s side have returned.

Villa Park switch now considered likely

TuttoSport report on Juventus’ interest in Mingueza. The newspaper note that the Old Lady have made a formal attempt for the defender, having remained in contact with his entourage since January.

In the winter market, a move for the Spaniard fell through. Celta Vigo demanded €2m in compensation but Juve weren’t keen on paying that. They could now be regretting that, with Aston Villa seen as clear frontrunners.

Unai Emery’s side have moved ‘decisively’ for the versatile defender. They are offering Mingueza Champions League football and can hand him a bigger wage than Juve.

That is why competition from Aston Villa is a ‘tough match to win’ now. The newspaper appear somewhat certain that the 27-year-old will end up in Birmingham.

Mingueza will fix defensive need

The ex-Barcelona player can operate at centre-back and at right-back. For Celta during the 2025/26 campaign, he played in both positions and also slotted in comfortably at left-back.

Aston Villa need a player who adds depth to the backline. That is one reason why the British press has spoken of their interest in Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.

Mingueza will add just as much value while costing much less. He is also at the right age and appears to be a target who has been pursued for a long time.