Everton star Amadou Onana completes $65 million Aston Villa transfer

Everton star Amadou Onana has completed his move to Aston Villa.

The Belgium international midfielder joins Unai Emery's team for a fee of £50 million ($65 million), two years on from his arrival from Ligue 1 club Lille.

Onana was signed as a replacement for Douglas Luiz after the Brazilian joined Juventus. He was previously linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

The 22-year-old feels he will reach new heights with Villa, who qualified for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

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'We have a manager who is one of the best'

Onana said he was excited to work with Emery at Villa after international team-mate Youri Tielemans helped to convince him to make the move.

"I'll be playing in the Champions League again and that's very exciting," he said.

"We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level."

Will Everton sign a replacement for Onana?

Everton's financial difficulties and the protracted saga over a possible takeover means the income from Onana's sale will be a huge boost.

However, there is an awareness that they must attempt to find a replacement for the defensive midfielder if they are to improve their fortunes on the pitch under Sean Dyche.

Bryan King, a former scout for the Merseysiders, told Goodison News : "This hands Everton a much-needed cash boost. However, it is alright to receive the money for the player, but he now needs to be replaced.

"That is going to be difficult because Onana has been one of their better players over the past couple of seasons. Now that he has gone, they need someone else in his position."