Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is reportedly closing in on a loan move to Spanish club Valencia during the January transfer window. The 26-year-old centre-back has found regular playing time hard to come by under manager Unai Emery this season, starting only five Premier League matches so far.
Konsa's Limited Role Under Emery
Konsa has been a peripheral figure in Villa's campaign, with Emery preferring the central defensive partnership of Pau Torres and Diego Carlos. The England international has made just 12 appearances in all competitions, with his last league start coming in mid-December against Brentford. According to sources close to the club, Konsa is eager to secure more consistent minutes to maintain his form and potentially force his way back into Gareth Southgate's England plans ahead of Euro 2024.
Valencia Interest and Potential Deal
Valencia, currently 10th in La Liga, are in the market for defensive reinforcements and have identified Konsa as a prime target. The Spanish side are believed to be in advanced talks with Aston Villa over a loan deal that would see Konsa move to the Mestalla until the end of the season. No purchase option is expected to be included, as Villa view Konsa as a long-term asset. The move would provide Konsa with regular top-flight football in a competitive league, something that has been missing from his season so far.
Impact on Aston Villa's Squad
Should the loan be completed, Aston Villa would be left with three senior centre-backs: Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, and Calum Chambers. Emery may also look to promote from within or dip into the transfer market for cover. The club's busy schedule, including Europa Conference League commitments, means squad depth will be tested. However, with the January window still open, Villa could yet bring in a replacement if deemed necessary.
Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2019 for a fee of around £12 million and has since made over 130 appearances for the club. His departure, even on a temporary basis, would mark a significant shift in the defensive dynamics at Villa Park.
