Aston Villa Eyeing Summer Swoop For Another Teenage Prospect: Smart Play From The Lions? | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Athletic’s David

The French youth international, who will turn 19 this month, spent his initial years at RFC Argenteuil and AS Bondy before joining Les Violets. He transitioned from an attacker to a centre-back during his tenure with the esteemed Clairefontaine academy, and the Toulouse scouts, impressed by his development, snapped him up in the summer of 2021.

After a spell with their reserves in Championnat National 3, Canvot was promoted to the first-team set-up midway through the previous campaign. He also slotted in deep down the midfield a few times, but was mostly deployed as a centre-half in 20 senior appearances across competitions [stats via Transfermarket].

Canvot also represented his nation in the Maurice-Revello tournament, which they conquered last month, defeating Saudi Arabia in the final. Several scouts from Europe were in attendance, potentially the Villa representatives as well. He is rated highly by the English outfit, who are likely to return with an improved offer for the teenage prospect.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea tangles with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Aston Villa have already roped in two defenders with a similar profile. 19-year-old Yasin Özcan has completed a £5.8m transfer from Kasımpaşa. Also, Modou Keba Cissé has joined from LASK but is set to spend the 2025-26 season with the Austrian heavyweights.

Smart Move From Aston Villa?

The Lions missed out on a Champions League berth following a controversial final gameweek defeat against Manchester United. Although they handled the PSR issues by selling their women’s team to a related entity, gaffer Unai Emery must splash the cash carefully to be compliant with the Premier League’s regulations.

Villa let Kortney Hause depart upon his contract expiry, yet they have ample depth in the heart of the backline with Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres set to challenge each other from the central defensive spots. Ozcan, who is also capable of featuring as a left fullback, could be utilised as the fourth centre-back.

Canvot has impressed in Carles Martínez Novell’s ‘back three’ formation, having shown his composure and ball-playing attributes. While he needs to be more disciplined with his tackles and challenges, Villa should tie him down as a project signing, who would grow his game under Emery’s tutelage.