Aston Villa have made an initial offer of €17 million for UD Almeria midfielder Dion Lopy, according to a report from Spanish outlet La Voz de Almería. The bid falls short of Almeria’s €20 million valuation of the 24-year-old Senegal international.
Villa manager Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with central midfield identified as a key area for reinforcement. The club previously monitored Lopy in 2023 before his move from Stade Reims to Almeria, and he was also a target for Everton last summer.
Lopy has impressed during his time with Almeria, leading Villa to view him as a player capable of contributing both immediately and in the future. Emery has a prior connection to Almeria, having managed the club between 2006 and 2008 before joining Valencia.
Almeria, recently relegated to the Segunda Division, are reportedly reluctant to sell Lopy, hoping to retain him for a promotion push next season. However, interest from Premier League clubs, particularly Villa, is proving to be a significant draw. It is believed that Villa may need to increase their offer by around €3 million to secure a deal.
Lopy is currently under contract with Almeria until 2029 and is represented by CAA Stellar, the same agency that represents Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The summer transfer window officially opens on June 15, and the situation is expected to develop in the coming weeks. A successful transfer would provide Emery with another option in midfield as Villa prepare for a demanding season balancing Premier League and Champions League commitments.
