Aston Villa Have Refused To Pay €60M For This Barcelona Player: Is The Move Unnecessary?

What did Aston Villa actually say?

Club insiders have played down the talk of an approach, as Villa feel they already have plenty of depth at left-back. Emery relies on Lucas Digne as his primary option, with 24-year-old Ian Maatsen providing reliable cover behind the veteran Frenchman. In Villa’s eyes, that duo has the position well-handled for the time being. Meanwhile, Barcelona aren’t exactly pushing Balde out the door, though they might listen if an offer hits the right numbers. As for the player himself, he’s shown no desire to leave his boyhood club.

Does Aston Villa’s current left-back situation genuinely make a player like Balde unnecessary?

BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is challenged by Pablo Maffeo of RCD Mallorca during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

I honestly feel yes, at least for this summer. Digne is still a dependable presence, and while Maatsen has been a bit up-and-down this season, he still brings plenty of youth and energy to the squad. Spending nearly €60m on a position that’s already working well doesn’t fit the calculated transfer strategy Emery has established at Villa Park. With Balde’s future reportedly sitting third on Jorge Mendes’ priority list at Barça, the timing just doesn’t align with Aston Villa’s current plans. They are better off putting that money toward areas of the pitch that actually need a fix.