Aston Villa has set its sights on bolstering its squad by targeting Borussia Dortmund’s right-back, Thomas Meunier, according to the report from Bild.
Despite being a prominent figure in European football for nearly a decade, the 31-year-old Belgian could potentially be available for a bargain price of just €3 million.
Meunier’s limited playing time during the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, coupled with his contract’s expiration in just over a year, has led Dortmund to consider offloading him.
Meunier’s Situation at Borussia Dortmund
Thomas Meunier, once a ubiquitous presence in European football, has found himself surplus to requirements at Borussia Dortmund.
Despite his reputation, the Belgian right-back made only ten appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2022/23 season. Consequently, Dortmund, under the management of Edin Terzic, has made it clear that they won’t impede Meunier’s potential departure.
The club’s eagerness to offload him stems from their desire to reduce the wage bill and alleviate the burden of a player who has become a liability.
Villa’s Interest in Meunier
Aston Villa’s sudden interest in Thomas Meunier could potentially alter the narrative surrounding the Belgian defender’s future.
Reports suggest that Villa has been enticed by the affordable price tag of just €3 million, making him an enticing prospect.
This unexpected turn of events may face competition, as some Italian sources have indicated possible interference from AC Milan and Juventus in securing Meunier’s services.
Furthermore, Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has an intimate understanding of Meunier’s capabilities, having previously coached him during their time at Paris Saint-Germain from 2016 to 2018.
Emery granted Meunier substantial playing time, with the Belgian making 70 appearances across various competitions.
This prior experience and familiarity with the player’s strengths and weaknesses could influence Emery’s decision to pursue a reunion with Meunier, despite the defender being on the wrong side of 30.
