Tribal Football

Aston Villa launch offer for ex-Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba

Former Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba.
Former Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba.Profimedia

Aston Villa have reportedly highlighted former Barcelona midfielder llaix Moriba as a summer transfer target.

Unai Emery's transfer budget has been bolstered by UEFA Champions League qualification and his Europa League triumph at the end of 2025/26.

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Moriba has steadied his carer in recent seasons after a 2021 move to RB Lepizig failed to ignite and he could be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old came through Barcelona's famed La Masia system, but opted to accept a move to Germany after just one season in the first team, following a disagreement over a contract extension.

The Guinea international has since had loan spells at Valencia, Getafe and Celta Vigo before joining the latter permanently in 2025, and he made 36 LaLiga appearances last season.

Celta sealed Europa League qualification, but their financial position is not as strong as Villa's, and Football Insider claim they are considering a £15M offer from Emery.

Villa's hopes of a deal are boosted by Celta's need to secure at least one big sale this summer due to tightened financial rules in Spain, but the Galicians are hoping for around £25M, as a profit of £20M from 12 months' ago.

Villa will stick to their position for now, and hope Celta relent and Moriba pushes for the challenge of playing UCL football in 2026/27.

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