Aston Villa Weighing Up Summer Move For This Stoke City Sensation: One For The Future? | OneFootball

Despite missing out on the Champions League spot following a controversial final matchday defeat against Manchester United, Aston Villa continue their hunt for first-team names as well as emerging young talents. In one of his recent posts on X, The Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed the Villans’ interest in Stoke City teenager Sol Sidibe ahead of a potential summer move.

The 18-year-old England youth international progressed through the Potters’ academy ranks before making his senior debut in August 2023. Although he appeared 8 times in the 2023-24 season, his engagement increased in the previous campaign with 13 appearances across competitions.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Will Keane of Preston North End is challenged by Sol Sidibe of Stoke City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City FC and Preston North End FC at Bet365 Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

However, Sidibe was not at all involved since January after being diagnosed with a pars fracture in his lower back. His minutes must be managed carefully to avoid further setbacks, and Villa, under UEFA sanction for breaching the financial rules, could snap him up now in a cut-price deal rather than paying an astronomical figure in a couple of years when the youngster cements his first-team status.

Why Aston Villa Could Benefit From The Deal In The Long Run

Stoke City had a disappointing Championship campaign when they finished 18th in the league standings. Mark Robins’ men survived relegation by two points, and the decline could see them lose several prospects, including Sidibe. His contract at Staffordshire expires in June 2027, and the Potters would rather accept an offer this summer than lose him for nothing unless he pens a new deal to extend his stay beyond the current term.

This seems unlikely considering Stoke’s downfall, and Aston Villa, therefore, have identified the teenage midfield prodigy as an opportunistic signing. Sidibe has shown his technical ability as a box-to-box option, also, his physicality and game-reading attribute make him a decent fit for the ‘number six’ role.

Meanwhile, Villa are well equipped deep down the midfield with John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Ross Barkley challenging each other in Unai Emery’s 4-2-3-1 setup. Monchi, their president of football operations, has spoken highly of Enzo Barrenechea following an impressive loan stint with Valencia, and the upcoming pre-season could be crucial to interpret the Argentine’s immediate future.

Sidibe, who has now recovered from his long-term injury, might find himself way down the pecking order at Villa Park. However, he could still be involved from the bench and feature in the Cup games against lower-ranked opponents. The ceiling his high for the starlet, as he holds all the traits to fulfil his potential under Emery’s tutelage.