Recent reports from Football Insider suggest a real transfer battle is brewing over Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana. Pete O’Rourke notes that Manchester United are once again eyeing the midfielder to strengthen their squad. Onana only moved to Villa Park in 2024 after a £50 million deal with Everton, but the Red Devils seem ready to push for him anyway. They need a long-term fix for their midfield, especially with veteran Casemiro likely leaving at the end of the season. United see Onana’s raw power and size as the perfect fit for their transition.
Manchester United chase Amadou Onana
The player himself has hinted that he would love to play for a global giant one day. Even so, Unai Emery isn’t budging. He has no interest in selling during the next summer window. The Villa boss views the former Everton man as the heartbeat of his team and wants to keep his best players together to stay competitive.
Villa also hold all the cards here. Since Onana remains under contract until June 2029, the club are under no pressure to sell. If United want to talk, the Villa board will surely demand a massive return on what they originally paid.
“It will be an interesting one. Obviously, United did make a late move to try and sign Onana from Everton before he made that big £50m move to Aston Villa. I think right now, I’m sure United have continued to keep tabs on Onana, who has become a key man for Unai Emery’s side.
Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season. There are doubts over Ugarte’s future as well. So look, they’re going to need strengthening in that midfield position. Onana is a player that they’ve had previous interest in. So I think it’s one of those where he probably still remains on the list, but he’s probably not at the top of it.
We know all the other names that they’ve been linked with, the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson. I think they would all figure above Onana. And as I said, I don’t think Villa would be very keen on losing Onana. They want to continue to build on the success they’ve had over the last couple of seasons. They don’t want to weaken their squad by letting key players leave, and he is under contract until 2029, so I don’t think they’re planning to let him move any time soon.”
Can Villa stay in the Top Four without selling?
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Amadou Onana of Aston Villa celebrates victory in front of the fans after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on February 11, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
As of February 2026, Aston Villa are flying high in third place. This change in status makes a huge difference in whether Onana stays or goes. In the past, a club like United could just bully Villa into a sale. Now, Emery leads a project that offers regular Champions League football and a real shot at trophies. Onana is a rare talent who dominates in the air and moves the ball forward well. Losing him to a top-four rival would represent a massive step back for the club’s trajectory.
Some experts believe Manchester United are actually looking closer at players like Adam Wharton or Carlos Baleba. This might mean they will blink first when they see the massive price tag Villa put on Onana. Strategically, Villa need to stand their ground. They have to show they no longer function as a stepping stone for the traditional Big Six. By keeping Onana, the owners send a clear message to the Premier League: Villa are here to stay at the top.