Aston Villa's pursuit of a cut-price defensive reinforcement has hit a significant obstacle, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United entering the race for their target.
Villa Face Stiff Competition for Bargain Defender
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Newcastle are now showing a firm interest in Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza, a player long-linked with a move to Villa Park. The Magpies are poised to provide direct competition to Unai Emery's side for the £9 million-rated defender during the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season and is therefore available for a reduced fee this month. However, the list of potential suitors is lengthy, with West Ham United, Marseille, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Como also credited with an interest in acquiring his services.
Mingueza's Profile and Potential Villa Role
Mingueza is a versatile defender who can operate both at right-back and in the centre of defence. A product of the famed Barcelona academy La Masia, he made 66 first-team appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring twice, before securing a move to Celta Vigo in 2022.
Since then, he has established himself as a key asset in Galicia, playing 121 matches and scoring nine goals. He also has four senior caps for the Spanish national team.
For Aston Villa, who currently sit 3rd in the Premier League table after a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Mingueza represents an opportunity to add depth and competition at right-back. Emery's primary options in the position are Matty Cash and youngster Andres Garcia.
Transfer Implications and Squad Dynamics
The arrival of a seasoned professional like Mingueza could have a direct impact on squad planning at Villa Park. It might facilitate a loan move for the 22-year-old Garcia, who has found starts limited behind Cash, allowing him to gain valuable first-team experience elsewhere.
Villa's immediate focus returns to the pitch with a midweek trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday. However, the club's recruitment team now faces a more complicated task in the market, with Newcastle's financial muscle and the broad European interest making a deal for Mingueza far from straightforward.
The player, with his contract expiring in June 2026, holds considerable power and can afford to weigh up all his options carefully before deciding on his next career move.
