The January transfer window has officially closed for all Premier League clubs, marking the end of mid-season business. Aston Villa has managed to secure some notable acquisitions during this transfer window, despite the constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
The Unai Emery-managed side enjoyed success in their European campaign as well as the Premier League season, showcasing a 15th successive home win record at Villa Park. Meanwhile, off the pitch, they roped in two new names to secure prospects on Transfer Deadline Day.
Lino Sousa joins Aston Villa on a long-term contract
On the final day of the winter transfer deadline, Aston Villa signed Lino Sousa on a permanent deal from league rivals Arsenal for an undisclosed fee. According to Fabrizio Romano, the defender has agreed to pen down a long-term, four-year contract that lasts until June 2028.
In fact, the 19-year-old left-back will immediately embark on a loan spell to Championship side Plymouth for the rest of the season. Arsenal has officially acknowledged the departure of the young player on a permanent move, extending their best wishes for his future endeavors.
The Portuguese-born Englishman relocated to England at the age of 8. Although he participated in Mikel Arteta’s first-team training sessions, Sousa has not yet made any appearances for the Arsenal senior team. Nevertheless, he was included in the squad for the FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool.
Since joining them from West Bromwich Albion’s academy in 2022, Lino Sousa has been regularly featured for Arsenal’s youth teams, playing for their Under-18 and Under-21 setups, respectively. He played a total of 53 games across the North London club’s academy, managing to register 5 goals and three assists.
Why Aston Villa is expected to sign Joe Gauci?
Unai Emery, the Aston Villa boss, was on the lookout for a young backup keeper for their Argentine star shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez. To fulfill the vacancy, they have acquired the highly talented Australian, Joe Gauci, on a record-breaking deal for any Socceroos player from Adelaide United, on a €1.5 million fee plus add-ons.
The 23-year-old Aussie will be under the wings of World Cup winner, Martinez, and continue his development with the Villans. Gauci has made 72 appearances for the Adelaide club in the A-League since joining them in 2020. Additionally, last year in March of 2023, he earned his first senior team cap for the Australia national team against Ecuador in an international friendly fixture.
Villa, currently standing in 5th place in the Premier League table, has enjoyed a thrilling run of games in December, following their successive wins over world champions Manchester United and Arsenal under Emery. This has forced the likes of Pep Guardiola to offer praise for the Emery-managed side.
