Aston Villa could land £25m Andre Almeida after Wolves decided against deal

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Andre Almeida was in talks with Wolves last summer and now the Valencia midfielder is in the sights of their Premier League neighbours Aston Villa.

In a dismal season at the Mestalla, the form of Almeida has been one of very few positives. The 22-year-old playmaker, a £7 million signing from Vitoria Guimaraes, is bringing some much-needed method amid the eternal madness at Valencia.  

From his deep-lying role, Almeida’s fine passing range and excellent set-piece delivery continues to put a smile on the faces of some very disillusioned supporters, even as the two-time Champions League finalists circle the La Liga plughole.

“I’m very happy here,” says Almeida, who has six assists in all competitions across 2022/23.  

“I feel like home. I didn’t know I was going to have such a smooth transition. The team-mates trust me and the fans like me. So I just want to play and help the team win games.” 

Aston Villa and Brighton like Andre Almeida

Almeida alone won’t be enough to keep a young, inexperienced Valencia side safe from relegation.

The club’s well-publicised financial predicament, meanwhile, means the opportunity to make an immediate profit on Almeida after just one season in Spain may be one they seize, Valencia having developed a reputation – much to the fans’ chagrin – as something of a ‘selling club’. 

Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, Mundo Deportivo say, are taking an interest. Villa’s former Los Che coach Unai Emery is expected to make use to the Spanish market this summer; Nico Williams, Luiz Henrique and Alberto Moleiro among his rumoured targets. 

Aston Villa, the report adds, may be willing to part with £25 million.

Villa’s Midland neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers held talks with Almeida last summer. Wolves, however, deemed Vitoria Guimaraes’ price-tag to be a little steep at the time, per Pedro Sepulveda. 

It remains to be seen whether Wolves renew their interest; joining Villa in the race to sign Valencia’s Portugal U21 international. Ruben Neves could leave Molineux this summer. Joao Moutinho is likely to go too.