Aston Villa sign Pau Torres from Villarreal for €40 million in surprise move

Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal. The two clubs have negotiated a transfer fee in the region of €40 million. The centre-back had attracted interest from Bayern Munich for a move as well. But, the Bavarians decided to go for Kim Min Jae of Napoli as their centre-back signing. 

And after years of exploring an exit away from Villarreal, Torres has now decided to sign for the Midlands club. He has agreed a five-year contract with them, and will reunite with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery at the club. The former Arsenal boss wanted Torres from his first day at Villa.

Pau Torres has become the first signing under their new sporting director Monchi after his arrival from Sevilla. 

Aston Villa agree deal to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal 

Medical tests have now been scheduled for the Spain international to make the move to the Premier League. The player had a release clause worth €65 million in his contract, but Villa have negotiated a fee much lower than that to sign him. The release clause has proven to be a stumbling block for many clubs in the past.

But considering that Unai Emery led the club led them to a Europa Conference League finish at the end of 22/23, they were able to convince the player to join them with greater incentive. 

Pau Torres came through the Villarreal academy, and has been with the first team since 2019. The 26-year-old has played 173 games for them, scoring 12 goals during that time. He also won the Europa League title in 2020/21, and has now been moved on with one year remaining on his contract with Villarreal.