The star midfielder wants to sign for Aston Villa

20 May 2026 will be a day that will live forever in the memory of all Aston Villa fans, after Unai Emery’s side finally ended their 30-year drought.

The Villans defeated German side Freiburg during Thursday’s Europa League final, adding another European title to the club’s trophy cabinet.

The fans, players and management team will no doubt have headaches this morning, but who can blame them after last night’s generational victory.

Regardless of the hangover, Emery is a very driven manager and will be thinking about the club’s next step – be it in the Premier League or the Champions League.

Next summer’s transfer window will provide him and the recruitment team to build on last season’s impressive victory and take the side to the next level.

Europe’s top midfielder now wants to join Aston Villa

In a bid to strengthen Villa’s ranks ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, a number of players have been linked with a move to the West Midlands.

Roma star Matias Soule is just one player who has appeared on his radar, with a permanent deal possible when the summer window opens in early June.

Talks have been held between the Villans and the player’s representatives, but the Serie A side are said to be demanding around £35m for his signature.

He is not the only player currently being looked at by club management, with Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita also being considered before the summer.

According to Football Insider, the Japanese midfielder will leave the club freely when his contract expires at the end of June.

The report also says that the Premier League team Leeds United is another team that is very keen to get the signature of this 31-year-old player before the summer.

However, it has been reported that the player himself wants to join Emery’s men this window, which could generate more money to help them win the Europa League.

Why Morita will be like premiership John McGinn of Aston Villa

Last night’s European victory was a reminder of how far the club has come under Emery, with midfielder John McGinn a star performer at Villa Park.

The Scotsman joined the Villans back in 2018 during the Championship days, but has remained an integral part of the senior ranks for the past eight years.

He has made an impressive 330 appearances in all competitions since his £2.5m switch, and has since captured the hearts of fans with his relentless quality on and off the ball.

McGinn even captained Emery to the title win in Istanbul last night, cementing his legacy at the club and cementing him in the history books forever.

His transfer will go down as one of the best in the club’s history, as very few players can rise through the ranks and still be a powerful member at the top of the European game.

However, the management have a good chance of securing their next form for the 31-year-old with a deal for Morita when the transfer window opens in the coming months.

The Japan international has earned a reputation for his impressive style of work in Portugal, while coming up with important contributions in front of goal.

His figures in the ongoing campaign show his quality in key areas, with rumors that his move to the West Midlands could go down as the club’s latest signing.

Morita has played 31 times in Liga Portugal this season, after which he made 2.4 tackles and 5.7 clearances per 90 – highlighting his incredible ability to get the ball back to his team.

He also made 1.1 interceptions and 5.4 tackles per 90 – replicating the high levels produced by fan favorite McGinn off the ball at Villa Park.

In his tenure, the Japanese star has been successful, as seen by his impressive pass completion figures of 86% and 1.8 chances created per 90 this campaign.

He even registered one goal and four assists in that time – leading journalist Eduardo Hahn to call the Sporting star “fascinating” months ago.

McGinn’s form in the West Midlands has been impressive, with the Scotland star being the perfect highlight reel required to succeed at Villa Park.

Wednesday’s Europa League victory is the icing on the cake in his legendary rise and will undoubtedly be remembered forever by those associated with the Villans.

Morita’s deal will provide much-needed extra quality at the heart of the squad, which could see Emery’s men defend their places as one of Europe’s top players.