£148k-per-week Brazilian halts new contract talks as Aston Villa keep reaching out

Aston Villa have already made major changes this summer, but Unai Emery may still want another defender before the new season begins.

Villa returned to the Champions League after finishing fourth and winning the Europa League, yet their squad has lost some quality.

Morgan Rogers completed a huge move to Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans also departed after playing a central role in Emery’s midfield. Harvey Elliott returned to Liverpool following his loan spell and Leon Bailey has also been heading towards a move to Hull City.

Those departures have given Villa room to rebuild.

Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have arrived to strengthen the midfield, while Alejandro Garnacho adds pace and unpredictability in attack. The work completed so far has largely focused on replacing what Villa lost further forward.

The defence could be next.

Emery still has Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelöf available at centre back, and that appears a healthy group, but there are reasons to consider another addition.

Villa face another demanding season across four competitions.

Mings and Lindelöf provide experience, although neither represents a long-term answer, while Arsenal are believed to be eyeing up a move for Konza.

Roger Ibañez would bring something different.

The Brazilian began his senior career in his homeland before joining Atalanta in January 2019. His opportunities in Bergamo were limited, but a move to Roma one year later changed the direction of his career.

Ibanez became a regular in the Italian capital and later worked under José Mourinho, helping Roma win the Conference League in 2022 and reach the Europa League final the following season.

Al-Ahli then took him to Saudi Arabia in August 2023 on a £148,000-per-week deal.

The 27-year-old has remained a prominent figure since that move, having made 44 appearances across all competitions last season, underlining both his availability and importance to the side.

His profile could suit Emery, whose centre backs are regularly asked to hold an ambitious line and play through pressure.

There is still an element of risk.

Ibañez’s eagerness to attack the ball can occasionally pull him out of position, and returning to Europe from Saudi football to the Premier League would demand a major adjustment.

However, fresh information suggests Villa are exploring whether that move could become possible.

Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri claims Ibanez has stopped discussions over extending his Al-Ahli contract after attracting attention from several Premier League clubs.

Villa are said to have contacted the defender’s representatives repeatedly, although they have not yet made a formal offer.

Contact with an agent can establish a player’s interest, salary expectations and likely availability, but it does not mean negotiations between the clubs are advanced.

Ibañez’s deal expires next year, and Al Ahli must therefore decide whether to revive renewal talks or consider a sale before he goes well into the final year of his contract.

Any move would still require financial work.

His salary in Saudi could prove difficult for Villa, while Al-Ahli would be expected to seek a substantial return on a defender signed from Roma only three years ago.

For now, this is one to monitor.