Aston Villa will find it difficult to complete moves for Villarreal pair Pau Torres and Yeremy Pino, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Emery looks at former players
Unai Emery is still settling into life as Villa’s new manager, and while the 2022 World Cup is going on in Qatar, the Spaniard will be eyeing up potential signings.
He could turn to former club Villarreal when it comes to new acquisitions, with Torres and Pino both linked with moves to Villa Park in recent times.
Both players are in Spain’s squad in Qatar currently, giving Villans supporters a good chance to see them in action.
The Latest: Romano unsure over double move
Speaking to Give Me Sport, however, Romano admitted that Villa would do well to snap up the pair:
“It’s not easy to sign these players because Yeremy Pino is valued at more than €50 million (£43.3m). Pau Torres has a release clause around €45 million (£39m), so it’s not going to be easy.”
The Verdict: Loftier ambitions?
There is no question that both Torres and Pino would have the potential to improve Villa significantly, considering the duo are both good enough to make Spain’s squad.
The former is expected to start at centre-back for Luis Enrique’s side and he is arguably considered one of Europe’s best defenders at the moment, having started 13 games in La Liga this season.
Both players could feel that they belong at clubs playing European football, however, and unless Emery can convince them otherwise, they may see Villa as a step down at this moment in time.
