Aston Villa planning £81k-p/w bid for Diaby

Aston Villa confirmed the sale of Moussa Diaby earlier this week, recouping almost all of the £51.9m they paid to sign him last year.

Unai Emery will be hoping to spend wisely in the transfer market, as more strength in depth will be needed to strengthen his attacking options ahead of next term.

With Champions League football underway at Villa Park, the Spaniard will need to replace Diaby in the next few weeks.

Can he return to the Bundesliga again?

The latest in Aston Villa's transfer search

According to CaughtOffside, Villa are showing an interest in Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, with talks already held over a possible move.

According to the report, the Bundesliga side want a fee of around £35m which seems too steep for the Midlands club, with Emery and they ready to return with a 'low price' bid – between the two rivals Chelsea. and Arsenal.

Could Adeyemi be the perfect replacement for Diaby? He has certainly shown that he can shine on the big stage.

Karim Adeyemi's season by the numbers

The big stage in question is the Champions League final. Although Dortmund lost 2-0 against Real Madrid at Wembley, Adeyemi was really good.

During the game, the £81k-a-week German attempted three balls, passed one key, created a big chance and had three shots, although it was not enough to help his club win the game.

Commentator Ben Mattinson praised the winger at X late in 2023, saying he has “electric pace” and is an “inventive finisher” which are qualities he showed during the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, the 22-year-old found the net just five times, while making two assists, almost the numbers Emery needs on the right side for Villa.

However, he offers many other qualities. Compared to his positional peers in the Bundesliga, Adeyemi ranks in the top 5% in penalty area (2.66) per 90, and also ranks in the top 11% for attempts (5.91) per 90 and over. 2% aerial navigation percentage won in 90 (60.9%), showing his dangerous side.

Diaby registered 19 goals – ten goals and nine assists – for Villa last season. Although it wasn't as good as his spell at Bayer Leverkusen, it wasn't as bad as many have made it out to be.

Adeyemi will have a lot to live up to, but at a fee of £35m, and the fact that he is yet to turn 23, it could tempt Emery to explore a move for the Nigerian-born player in the next week or so.

Much will depend on whether the club can sell another player or two, but signing Adeyemi will give Emery a solid option on the right who can shine on that Champions League night.