Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno set to join Girona for free | OneFootball

Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno is close to leaving Birmingham for Spain, with Girona set to sign him on a free transfer, according to The Athletic.

Villa have negotiated a 40% sell-on clause as part of the deal, despite no transfer fee being involved.

The 32-year-old will undergo a medical tomorrow before signing a two-year contract.

Villa had omitted Moreno from the pre-season tour of the United States, a clear indication that he was no longer in Unai Emery’s plans. Girona started tracking Moreno then.

To facilitate the switch from Aston Villa, Moreno has agreed to reduced terms, bringing a swift end to his time in the Midlands.

The Villa defender spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, featuring 19 times across all competitions and registering one assist.

He helped Forest secure an impressive seventh-place Premier League finish.

Moreno originally joined Aston Villa in January 2023 from Real Betis in a €15 million (£13.3 million) deal.

He became a regular for the Villains during the second half of that season. However, the competition for minutes has since intensified.

Lucas Digne remains a trusted option at left-back, while Ian Maatsen is expected long-term to take the mantle for Villa on the left.

Given that depth, Villa’s decision to part ways with Moreno is pragmatic.

Digne recently signed a new contract. The Villains have experience and stability in the position, while Maatsen offers youth and energy for the years ahead.

Moreno, by contrast, had slipped down the pecking order and with Villa seeking to reduce their wage bill, an early exit suited all parties.

Although he impressed in flashes during his loan spell at Forest, Moreno, who earns £35,000 per week, has not shown enough to force his way back into Emery’s plans.

His move to Girona brings his Villa stint to an end after just 18 months and 48 appearances.