Aston Villa and West Ham chasing free agent ‘for months’ – Villa well placed to complete transfer

Aston Villa and West Ham United are in the transfer picture to sign Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza. 

The right-back joined the La Liga side from Barcelona in 2022 and has been a regular since then.

His contract situation has already caught Aston Villa, West Ham and several other clubs’ attention.

He has less than three months left on his contract and the Spanish club have offered an extension.

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain of Celta Vigo giving up on retaining the 27-year-old.

That’s because he changed agents and now British agency Unique Sports Group are managing him. There’s been no discussions with his new representatives over the contract renewal.

Transfer boost for Aston Villa and West Ham

Estadio Deportivo cover the latest on Óscar Mingueza’s future and name Unai Emery’s side and the Hammers.

Celta Vigo have already made a renewal offer worth €4m gross per year.

Both he and his family are comfortable with their life in Vigo and the club hope this will convince him to extend the stay.

Their sporting director, Marco Garcés, told DAZN the former Barca man has to make the final decision on his future.

The La Liga side won’t be able to match what other clubs, likely from the Premier League, can offer.

“The situation is in his hands. Hee knows he has an offer from us, and we hope he makes a decision. He hasn’t responded yet,” he said.

Estadio then cover the latest on his suitors, and immediately mention Aston Villa and West Ham United. The Premier League duo, along with Marseille, have been knocking on his door ‘for months’.

Juventus, who failed to sign him in the winter market, are still interested. As well as the Serie A side, Como and Newcastle United are also in the mix.

Estadio now insist Mingueza’s future could lie in England, where his new representatives have a strong hold.

Our take: Aston Villa could have edge over West Ham

The Villans are now fourth in the table, five points ahead of fifth placed Liverpool. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, on the other hand, are 18th, a point behind 17th placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Aston Villa are in firm contention to qualify for the Champions League while the London club are fighting to avoid relegation. This, coupled with Unai Emery’s presence should give the former an edge over West Ham United.

Transfermarkt now value Óscar Mingueza, who can also operate as a left-back, at €18m.