Aston Villa close in on Dion Lopy as Almería prepare for midfielder’s departure

Aston Villa appear to be closing in on the signing of Almería midfielder Dion Lopy, with reports in Spain suggesting the deal is now edging towards completion.

The Senegal international has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park throughout June, and fresh reports claim Unai Emery's side are leading the race after submitting an offer worth €15 million. Almería are already preparing for life without the 24-year-old by identifying a replacement, further fuelling expectations that a transfer is approaching.

While negotiations have yet to be officially completed, confidence is growing in Spain that Lopy will continue his career in the Premier League.

Spanish outlet El Periódico de Aragón reports that Aston Villa remain the clear favourites to sign Lopy this summer.

The report states Almería expect the midfielder to move to England, with Villa the only club specifically mentioned as a serious contender.

Meanwhile, Cadena SER claims the transfer is now "practically a done deal", adding that Unai Emery's side currently lead the bidding with a €15 million offer.

Earlier reports suggested Villa had initially proposed a package worth around €17 million, although that figure may have included performance-related bonuses.

Whatever the final structure of the deal, negotiations appear to be moving towards a conclusion.

Almería's actions suggest they are preparing for the midfielder's departure.

The Segunda División club have reportedly identified Real Zaragoza's Yussif Saidu as their preferred replacement after falling short in their bid to secure promotion back to La Liga.

Losing in the play-offs to Málaga has increased the pressure to balance the club's finances, making Lopy one of their most valuable assets.

Selling the Senegal international would provide a significant financial boost while creating room to reshape the squad ahead of another promotion challenge.

Having followed several Segunda División clubs this season, it is common for promotion hopefuls to sanction the sale of their highest-value players after missing out on promotion. In Almería's case, Lopy's departure appears to fit that pattern, particularly with a replacement already being lined up. However, the transfer cannot be considered complete until the clubs reach a final agreement.

Lopy has developed into one of the standout defensive midfielders in Spain's second tier.

During the 2025/26 campaign he made 32 appearances, playing 2,333 minutes while contributing three goals and three assists from midfield.

His performances have reportedly attracted interest from both Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, but Aston Villa appear to have moved quickest.

At 24, Lopy also fits Villa's recruitment strategy of targeting players entering their peak years while still offering significant room for development under Emery.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as Aston Villa attempt to finalise an agreement with Almería. The Spanish club's pursuit of Yussif Saidu suggests they are preparing for Lopy's exit, although no official confirmation has yet been issued. If Villa complete the deal, the Senegal international would become another addition to Unai Emery's evolving midfield options ahead of the new campaign.

Would Dion Lopy be a smart signing for Aston Villa this summer?