Borussia Mönchengladbach's first-choice goalkeeper, Moritz Nicolas, has broken his silence on swirling rumours linking him with a potential move to Premier League side Aston Villa.
Villa's Search for a New Number One
The speculation began earlier in December after a report from Sky Germany suggested the 28-year-old had emerged as a possible target for the Birmingham club. This interest stems from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Villa's current World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emi Martínez.
The Argentine international was close to departing Villa Park last summer, and this season could potentially be his last with the club. This has prompted Villa's recruitment team to survey the market for potential successors, with Nicolas reportedly on their radar.
Nicolas Pledges His Commitment to Gladbach
When questioned by Rheinische Post this week about the links to Aston Villa and his future plans, Nicolas offered a candid response. "To be honest, that’s something I haven’t thought about at all, not even a little bit," the German shot-stopper stated.
He went on to emphasise his contentment at his current club, saying, "What I can say is: I feel very comfortable at Borussia and I’m incredibly happy to be playing as the number one this season." Nicolas highlighted his long-standing connection with Gladbach, having been associated with the club for a decade, albeit with intervals for loan spells.
The Goalkeeping Landscape at Villa Park
Aston Villa moved to bolster their goalkeeping ranks last July by signing Marco Bizot from Stade Brest. The Dutchman has provided capable cover for Martínez during the current campaign. However, the potential departure of their established number one would necessitate a major signing.
Nicolas, who is under contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach until 2029, has impressed this season. His statistical record shows seven clean sheets and 27 goals conceded across 17 matches, cementing his status as a reliable Bundesliga performer.
Adding further intrigue to the situation, German reports indicate that Gladbach's sporting director, Rouven Schröder, has been actively scouting for potential replacements for Nicolas, suggesting the club is aware of the growing external admiration for their player.
For now, Nicolas remains focused on his duties in Germany, leaving Villa to continue monitoring his situation as they plan for a future that may not include Emi Martínez.
