Aston Villa are moving to secure Lamare Bogarde's future with a new contract offer after rejecting multiple bids for the versatile Dutch defender this summer. According to a report from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club is preparing a fresh proposal for the 22-year-old, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals.
Why is Villa pushing to keep Bogarde?
Unai Emery has personally advocated for Bogarde's contract extension, valuing his role as a squad player. The manager rejected offers from Brighton, Ipswich and Sunderland during the recent transfer window. Bogarde's current deal runs until 2028, but Villa want to extend his stay further. His ability to play as a right-back, defensive midfielder, and central defender provides important cover across the back line, especially during congested fixture periods. You can see how he fits into the squad structure on our squad page.
How has Bogarde progressed at Villa Park?
Bogarde joined Villa's academy from Feyenoord in 2020 as a 16-year-old. He progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, moving from the U18 side to the U21 team before making his first-team debut during the 2024/25 campaign. A loan spell at Bristol Rovers in League One saw him make 36 appearances and register three assists over a season and a half. Since breaking into the senior setup, he has made 63 appearances under Emery. While he hasn't scored or assisted directly, his defensive contributions have been significant.
What is the strategic advantage of retaining him?
Beyond his on-field versatility, Bogarde qualifies as a homegrown player for UEFA competitions. Premier League rules state that a player trained for three years at an English club before turning 21 fits this category. Having joined at 16, Bogarde meets this requirement, which is a valuable asset for Villa's European squad registration. This status offers a strategic edge in continental tournaments, often referred to as 'The Clarets and Blue'. Also, should Villa ever decide to sell him, any transfer fee would represent pure profit on the club's accounts, and they could also receive FIFA solidarity payments due to their role in his development.
Where does Bogarde fit in Villa's current plans?
With the summer transfer window closed, Bogarde is set to remain a part of Emery's plans for the season ahead. The club's decision to block his exit and offer a new deal signals his importance in the manager's thinking for the squad rotation. His development path mirrors that of other academy graduates who have become first-team fixtures. Fans can track his potential involvement in upcoming matches by checking the fixtures schedule. Bogarde's next opportunity to feature could come in Villa's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on September 14th.
