Published Aug 27, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Unai Emery had identified Joel Ordóñez as a possible successor to Ezri Konsa, who completed his move to Arsenal earlier this month.

Villa then made progress with Club Brugge over an initial loan containing an obligation to buy for around £25 million, and that structure suited them because it delayed the main cost until next summer.

Negotiations had reached an advanced stage, but Crystal Palace have now moved decisively ahead of them.

Palace have reportedly agreed a package worth around £25 million, exactly what Villa were discussing, and Ordonez would initially join on loan before the transfer becomes permanent, while the Ecuador international has approved the switch to Selhurst Park.

Palace’s intervention was not entirely unexpected.

They tried to sign the defender earlier in 2026 and had a proposal rejected by Club Brugge. Their previous interest allowed them to react quickly when Villa struggled to complete the final details.

Villa will nevertheless be frustrated.

Ordóñez is quick, physically strong and comfortable defending large spaces. At 22, he could have developed alongside Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings while eventually becoming a major asset.

Emery must now move quickly, and another defender has entered the picture.

Aston Villa looking to hijack Marseille deal for Jean-Clair Todibo

Journalist Santi Aouna reports that Villa have now turned their attention to West Ham centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo following the collapse of their Ordóñez pursuit.

Marseille remain serious rivals.

Todibo has already signalled that he would accept their proposal, with the former Nice defender open to returning to Ligue 1.

However, Marseille cannot complete the proposed loan until they create room through player sales. That delay gives Villa an opportunity to test West Ham’s demands and present their own project to the ex-Barcelona defender.

Todibo did not feature for West Ham during preseason or at the beginning of the new campaign.

The Hammers were relegated last term and are open to changing their squad, but the 26-year-old remains under contract for another three years, so they have little incentive to accept an agreement that leaves them carrying a large financial burden.

Villa could offer Todibo an immediate route back into the Premier League.

His recovery pace and confidence in possession should suit Emery’s high defensive line, while his experience would make him a more immediate solution than Ordóñez.

Marseille currently have the player’s approval. Villa, though, may possess the clearer route to an agreement with West Ham.

After losing their first choice to Palace, they can't afford another drawn-out pursuit.