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Aston Villa ‘interested’ in signing £25m-rated relegated star but could face battle with Leeds United
Harry Mail
3 – 4 minutes
Aston Villa are gearing up for the start of the new Premier League season
Aston Villa start the new 2025/26 Premier League season with a home clash against Newcastle United on 16th August. In the meantime, they have some more pre-season friendlies to get through. They face the likes of Roma, Marseille and Villarreal as they continue to get back up to speed.
Unai Emery. placeholder image
Unai Emery. | Getty Images
Unai Emery’s side missed out on the Champions League in the last campaign. They lost on the final day against Manchester United at Old Trafford which meant they didn’t finish in the top six. Therefore, that will have to contend with Europa League football next term.
Aston Villa target Southampton ace Mateus Fernandes
Aston Villa have the chance to bring in some new faces this summer to bolster their ranks. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well in this window. The deadline is on Monday 1st September at 7pm UK time.
Emery’s men are being linked with a move for Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. According to A Bola, they are ‘interested’ in a swoop for the £25million-rated ace over the coming weeks. However, they face competition from league rivals Leeds United and La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Fernandes, 21, is a key player for the Saints and he is under contract until 2029. However, they face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from elsewhere. It remains to be seen at this stage whether he will stay put in Hampshire following his current club’s relegation from the top flight along with Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
The ex-Portugal youth international was on the books at Sporting Lisbon from 2016 until 2024. He went on to play 10 games for their first-team and was also loaned out to Estoril to get some experience under his belt and boost his development. He has since played 41 matches for Southampton and has chipped in with three goals.
Would Mateus Fernandes suit Aston Villa?
Fernandes would be a good signing for Aston Villa if they were able to see off Leeds in pursuit of his signature. He is still young and has bags of potential to improve down the line. In addition, he would give them more quality in the middle of the park.
After signing for Southampton on a five-year contract 12 months ago, he said at the time: “I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It’s good for me, for my growth and I’m happy.
“I know some things about Southampton. I know about the city. I know José Fonte played here, Cédric, so I want to talk to them. I spoke to the manager and I like him a lot – his energy, his feeling, he’s very good. He talked to me and I’m very happy.
“I want to help the team, but I’m new in England so I need help from them too! I want to help the team and enjoy the Premier League with the guys this season. I think I can help when we have the ball and when we don’t have the ball.”
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