Aston Villa’s summer rebuild is showing no signs of slowing down, with Unai Emery reportedly preparing another ambitious defensive move despite already closing in on the signing of Matteo Ruggeri.
Following the departure of experienced left-back Lucas Digne, many expected Villa to simply replace the French international and move on to other priorities. Instead, the club appear determined to build one of the strongest defensive units in the Premier League, with a second exciting target now emerging.
According to fresh reports, Aston Villa have made an enquiry for highly-rated Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys, one of Belgium’s fastest-rising young stars and a player attracting interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past 18 months, establishing himself as a regular for Club Brugge while proving he can perform on football’s biggest stage. His impressive displays in the UEFA Champions League have reportedly convinced Villa’s recruitment team that he possesses the quality needed to strengthen Emery’s squad immediately.
However, Villa are far from alone in the race.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have also made enquiries over Seys’ availability, while Portuguese heavyweights Benfica and FC Porto continue monitoring his situation closely. Club Brugge are understood to value the versatile defender at around €35 million (£30 million), setting up what could become one of the most competitive transfer battles of the final weeks of the window.
For Emery, the attraction is obvious.
Seys combines technical quality with physical strength and tactical intelligence, qualities that have become central to Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy since the Spanish coach arrived at Villa Park.
Although naturally a left-back, the Belgian youngster is equally comfortable operating on the right side of defence, giving Emery valuable flexibility across multiple competitions.
That versatility could prove invaluable.
Villa are preparing for another demanding campaign that includes Champions League football, domestic cup competitions and the Premier League. Building a squad capable of handling that workload requires depth, competition and players capable of filling multiple positions without sacrificing quality.
Seys appears to offer exactly that.
Last season, he announced himself on the European stage with a series of mature performances in the Champions League. Featuring regularly against elite opposition, the defender demonstrated composure beyond his years while contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Across the competition, Seys registered three goals and three assists, impressive numbers for a full-back competing against some of Europe’s strongest clubs. His attacking contribution was matched by disciplined defensive displays, winning numerous physical duels while collecting just a single yellow card throughout his European campaign.
Those performances also helped earn him a place in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, further enhancing his growing reputation as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects.
Villa’s interest arrives during an already busy transfer window.
Lucas Digne recently completed his return to Paris Saint-Germain, bringing an end to his successful spell at Villa Park. The experienced defender’s departure created an immediate vacancy, prompting Villa to move quickly for Atlético Madrid full-back Matteo Ruggeri.
The Italian international is expected to complete his move shortly, significantly lowering the average age of Villa’s defensive unit while providing another technically gifted option on the left flank.
Yet Emery’s recruitment team clearly believe there is room for even more quality.
Rather than simply replacing outgoing players, Aston Villa are attempting to build a squad capable of competing consistently with England’s elite while making a serious impression in Europe.
Adding Seys would represent another statement of intent.
The defender has already accumulated close to 100 senior appearances for Club Brugge despite being only 21 years old, highlighting both his consistency and maturity. His experience in high-pressure Champions League fixtures suggests he would require little time adapting to the demands of elite football.
Competition from Arsenal and Manchester United, however, means Villa cannot afford to delay if they hope to secure his signature.
Both clubs have long admired young defenders capable of developing into future stars, while Benfica and Porto remain ready to act should Premier League negotiations stall.
For Aston Villa supporters, though, the ambition being shown is impossible to ignore.
After strengthening several areas of the squad already this summer, Emery continues targeting players with youth, European experience and enormous long-term potential.
If Villa can complete deals for both Ruggeri and Seys before the transfer window closes, they will not only replace Lucas Digne—they could emerge with one of the deepest and most exciting defensive groups in English football.
With Champions League nights returning to Villa Park, Emery is clearly building a squad designed not just to compete, but to challenge the very best clubs in Europe.
