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Aston Villa are one of the frontrunners to sign Al-Hilal's Saud Abdulhamid ahead of the Champions League. However, they will face stiff competition from other European clubs who are also seeking the services of Abdulhamid.
Clubs like Nottingham Forest, Toulouse, and AS Roma have all laid their eyes on the Saudi right-back. The Italian outfit seems to be one of the major competitors of Aston Villa when it comes to signing Abdulhamid. The other two have not yet started talks with Al-Hilal, who are reportedly not interested in parting ways with the 24-year-old.
Therefore, AS Roma and Aston Villa are the only two clubs in the race to sign the youngster despite Al-Hilal showing no interest in letting him go. TEAMTalk reports that the Saudi Pro League champions want to keep him at all costs and are even trying to negotiate a contract extension and renewal offer.
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Aston Villa are desperate for a right-back of the profile of Abdulhamid because of their lack of resources in that position. Matty Cash is the only senior option in the right-back position, with Serbian Kosta Nedeljkovic acting as a long-term secondary option. However, Saud Abdulhamid will be the perfect replacement for Cash to bolster the position for Unai Emery's side.
On the other hand, AS Roma had to let go of Rasmus Kristensen after his loan spell from Leeds United ended. They have no other alternative in that position after reportedly excluding Rick Karsdorp from their plans.
Saud Abdulhamid is touted as one of the best right-backs in Asia. He has already won the Saudi Pro League twice with Al-Hilal while establishing himself as a regular starter for one of the best teams in the league. He will be a hot target for clubs in the upcoming transfer window, especially with the Champions League on the horizon.
Everton's Amadou Onana close to joining Aston Villa ahead of the Champions League
According to a report by The Independent, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is close to joining Aston Villa for £50 million ahead of their Champions League campaign. The Unai Emery-led side have qualified for the coveted Champions League for the first time since 1983. The management is doing everything possible to provide Emery with a competitive squad before the tournament kicks off.
Amadou Onana was a regular starter for Belgium in Euro 2024 but has faced a dry spell in a struggling Everton side. The 22-year-old midfielder was signed from Lille for a fee of £35 million but has endured two tough years as a part of The Toffees.
It will be interesting to see if Amadou Onana can turn the tide around once he joins Unai Emery's side and take them afar in the Champions League.
