Aston Villa have opened contract talks with midfielder Amadou Onana over a new deal that would extend his stay at the club until 2031. The Athletic reported this week that the 25-year-old is among several players the club aims to secure on fresh terms.
Onana's current contract runs until 2029, but Villa are moving to lock in a key asset. The Belgian international is currently sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while playing for his country at this summer's World Cup. His absence is a blow for a Villa side sitting 19th in the Premier League with zero points from their opening two matches, having conceded five goals without reply.
Why extend a player who is injured?
A new long-term contract for Amadou Onana represents a significant show of faith from manager Unai Emery. It also serves to protect the player's market value. Villa made Onana their club-record signing in a £50 million deal from Everton in July 2024. Despite a series of niggling injuries, mostly hamstring-related, he has made 72 appearances across three seasons. Securing his future now, even while he recovers, underlines his importance to the project. You can view the full list of unavailable players on our injuries page.
Who else is in line for a new deal?
Onana is not the only player in discussions. The Athletic noted last week that Villa planned to step up contract talks after the summer transfer window closed. Fellow midfielder Ross Barkley is also in negotiations, along with defender Victor Lindelof, winger Emiliano Buendia, full-back Ian Maatsen, and young prospect Lamare Bogarde. Initial dialogue on these extensions began heading into the summer.
How has the squad been reshaped in his absence?
With Onana facing a lengthy spell out, Villa acted decisively in the transfer market to bolster their midfield options. They signed Brazilian Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers and brought in experienced German international Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. These additions provide cover and competition, but the club's desire to tie Onana down signals he remains a central figure for the long term. The team's immediate focus is on halting their poor start, with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest on September 12th next up. Check the full fixtures schedule for more details.
What does this mean for Villa's current season?
The contract move occurs against a challenging backdrop. Villa are six points behind early leaders Manchester City and urgently need to find form. Protecting core assets like Onana is part of a broader strategy to build stability. His injury history, featuring ten separate issues since his arrival, has affected his consistency in Emery's strongest eleven. Yet, the club's commitment is clear. The final detail of the proposed new agreement would see Amadou Onana contracted to Aston Villa for the next five years.
