Aston Villa are interested in a promising young German defender but face Premier League competition: reports

Aston Villa are preparing to join the race for one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young talents ahead of the January transfer window.

Aston Villa are preparing to join the transfer race for one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young talents, according to reports.

Villa are in the process of onboarding a new senior executive after the departure of Monchi, a trusted ally of manager Unai Emery, as the club’s president of football operations.

Another Emery comrade has been brought in to replace him. Villa have appointed Roberto Olabe, now the former sporting director of Real Sociedad, as Monchi’s successor. Olabe was instrumental in the shaping of La Real’s transfer strategy, which enabled them to stay competitive in La Liga.

Real Sociedad secured Champions League football on his watch in 2023/24 and won the Copa del Rey in 2019/20. His squad-building experience could be valuable for Villa as they look to improve on both domestic and European fronts.

Transfers will be a huge part of Olabe’s remit and he will work with Emery and Damian Vidagany as Villa’s rejigged football department. Scouting has continued in the meantime and Villa’s apparent interest in Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown has emerged.

The 22-year-old has been a first team regular in the Bundesliga since breaking through last season and has attracted interest from the Premier League.

“Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are reportedly keeping an eye on Brown, with City and Arsenal allegedly showing the most interest,” reports Tribuna.

“Brown is contracted with the club until 2030, and it is still unclear whether there is a release clause. Without such a clause, the Bundesliga club could dictate the terms if concrete offers come in.”

Who is Nathaniel Brown?

Born in Germany with American roots, Brown is a left-sided player capable of playing as either a full-back or a wing-back.

His defensive strength, tackling, energy on the flank and quality in delivering crosses could make him a well-rounded option. He’s comfortable on the ball and passes well.

Since stepping into Eintracht’s senior squad in 2024, Brown has made a total of 38 appearances in all competitions. He significantly influenced their 2024/25 campaign, helping the club to finish third in the Bundesliga and book a place in the league phase of the Champions League.

Brown’s journey included a loan back to former club Nürnberg in the second half of the 2023/24 season. He started to gain vital playing time with his former academy club before cementing a place in Eintracht’s line-up.

His swift rise to prominence has attracted attention outside Germany and the January transfer window could be the first major test of his club’s determination to keep him.

The post Aston Villa are interested in a promising young German defender but face Premier League competition: reports appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.