Villarreal’s Juan Foyth was one of the players that Aston Villa considered signing in the winter market.
Unai Emery has previously managed the 27-year-old and was reportedly keen on reuniting with him at Aston Villa. In January, the manager went public with his desire to bring him to Villa Park.
Aston Villa couldn’t complete the operation, but the defender was pleasantly surprised by their transfer approach. He revealed this during a chat with AS.
The Argentina international picked up an injury in December 2023 and was sidelined for a year. He returned to action in December and has played 631 minutes from nine games this season.
Foyth found it strange that Aston Villa still wanted to secure his services despite him being on the sidelines for a long time. He insists that this shows Emery has faith in him
“I had disconnected a bit during the Christmas break, but I saw that there was talk of that possibility. I know Villarreal and Aston Villa spoke, but only up to that point,” he said.
“I learned a lot from Unai; I became more mature and a better footballer. I was surprised that they were interested in me almost without playing. I thought it was strange, since I’d been practically blank for a year. That interest shows the confidence Unai has in me, and I’m flattered.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur man played 74 matches for Villarreal under Emery. Last month, claims from Spain indicated that the Villans could return for him in the summer window.
He has less than 16 months left on his contract at Villarreal but refused to discuss about his future.
“Right now, all I’m thinking about is Villarreal. I don’t know what will happen in the summer. I don’t know if offers will come in for me, if the club will be interested in selling me or renewing my contract. My dream is to stay for many years,” Foyth explained.
