Aston Villa Kick Off Summer Business with Arrival of Marcos Llorente at Villa Park for Medical
Birmingham, UK – June 2, 2025 — Aston Villa have officially launched their summer transfer campaign with a bold and ambitious move, welcoming Spanish midfielder Marcos Llorente to Villa Park for a medical ahead of what is expected to be the club’s first major signing of the window.
Llorente, 30, arrived in Birmingham this morning via private jet and was swiftly escorted to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training facility where he began medical tests. Sources close to the club confirm that Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid have agreed on a fee believed to be in the region of £18–20 million, with personal terms already outlined between the player and Villa’s management.
A Proven Name for an Ambitious Club
After an impressive 2024/25 campaign that saw Villa qualify for European competition once again, manager Unai Emery has wasted no time reinforcing his squad. Llorente’s arrival would represent not only a tactical boost but a statement of intent from a club looking to cement its place among the Premier League’s elite.
Well known for his versatility, energy, and intelligence on the pitch, Llorente can operate as a box-to-box midfielder, defensive anchor, or even as a right-sided wing-back—a trait Emery is likely to value highly as he juggles Premier League, domestic cup, and European commitments in the coming season.
Speaking off the record, a Villa source said, “This isn’t just about depth. Llorente is a player who can start every week and bring Champions League-level experience. He fits Emery’s system perfectly.”
Marcos Llorente: Experience and Versatility
Marcos Llorente began his career at Real Madrid, making a name for himself on loan at Alavés before earning a high-profile move to Atlético Madrid in 2019. Under Diego Simeone, he flourished as a dynamic, hard-running midfielder with a knack for scoring important goals. His standout season came in 2020/21, when he contributed 12 goals and 11 assists in La Liga, helping Atleti to the league title.
Though recent seasons have seen a slight dip in form due to injuries and tactical reshuffling, Llorente remains a well-rounded and intelligent footballer. His work rate, stamina, and technical ability make him a reliable option in multiple positions—a fact that would give Emery tactical flexibility as he looks to rotate and adapt over a long season.
The Spanish international is also no stranger to European competition, having amassed significant experience in both the Champions League and Europa League.
Emery’s Strategic Build
Unai Emery has made clear in recent interviews that this summer’s transfer window will be crucial to Villa’s continued rise. Last season saw the club exceed expectations, finishing in a Europa League spot and impressing with a fluid, organized style of play.
Llorente’s signing seems carefully tailored to match Emery’s blueprint: smart, experienced professionals who can slot into his high-demand system. With Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara already anchoring the midfield, Llorente adds depth, leadership, and European pedigree to an already impressive core.
Moreover, his Spanish background and prior experience under similarly tactical managers make him a likely seamless fit into the cultural and playing philosophy Emery is developing at Villa.
What Fans Are Saying
Aston Villa fans have reacted with optimism and excitement as photos and videos circulated online of Llorente arriving at the club’s facilities. Supporters flooded social media with messages welcoming the midfielder, highlighting the significance of signing a player of his reputation.
“Llorente in claret and blue? That’s a Champions League-level move,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s got the engine, the experience, and he’s a winner.”
Others praised the club’s fast start to the window, with many hoping that Llorente is the first of several high-caliber arrivals to come this summer.
What Comes Next
Assuming the medical goes smoothly, Marcos Llorente is expected to sign a three-year deal with an option for a fourth season. He will likely join up with his new teammates for pre-season training in early July and could feature in Villa’s summer tour, which includes friendlies in the United States and Europe.
The move also signals the beginning of what promises to be a busy window for Aston Villa, who are looking to add depth to their defense and another attacking option as they prepare for the challenges of domestic and European football.
There is also speculation that Emery could return to La Liga for more reinforcements, with Villarreal’s Álex Baena and Real Betis full-back Juan Miranda among the names linked.
Final Thoughts
With Marcos Llorente’s arrival, Aston Villa have wasted no time asserting their ambition in the summer transfer window. The move aligns perfectly with Unai Emery’s strategy of blending experience with tactical intelligence, and it places the club on strong footing as they prepare for one of their most demanding seasons in recent memory.
Llorente may be the first signing through the door—but if this deal is any indication, Aston Villa are preparing to make major moves in the weeks ahead.
