- Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza
- Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen
- Maza is seen as a key player by the German side, but Premier League interest will test their resolve
Aston Villa have added Bayer Leverkusen youngster Ibrahim Maza to their list of potential attacking midfield reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window. Manchester City and Chelsea are also monitoring his progress.
The Algerian moved to Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin at the start of the season and has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the Bundesliga.
He’s a versatile midfielder, capable of playing as a No 10, right winger, and even as a No 8. His profile and rapid development are attracting significant interest across Europe.
TEAMtalk has reported that the Citizens see him as a player who could develop into a long-term midfield option, whilst Chelsea’s interest stems from their ongoing focus on elite young talent.
Villa, however, are searching for emerging stars to help increase the level of their current squad to continue competing in Europe and at the top of the Premier League.
The outlet also revealed that Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth have watched Maza closely in recent weeks.
Numbers this season
In the Bundesliga this season, the 20-year-old has appeared 25 times, scoring three goals and registering three assists. Meanwhile, in the DFB Pokal, he has scored two goals in four games, and in the Champions League, he has provided two assists in 12 appearances.
It’s his underlying numbers, however, which Premier League clubs rely on, that are impressive. He has both strong output for expected goals, with 3.94, and expected assists, with 4.01. These highlight his ability to create good chances and his ability to get into dangerous positions.
Right profile for Unai Emery
Emery’s current system doesn’t use traditional wingers. They are more inverted No 10s, who drift inside to create central overloads, leaving the flanks for the full-backs to advance into. Maza’s profile as a narrow playmaker, who excels in tight pockets, aligns perfectly with this.
The current options are Morgan Rogers, Emi Buendia and John McGinn. Buendia will likely depart this summer, leaving a gap for Maza to fill. Furthermore, he would offer more agility and pace than McGinn, giving Emery a different type of player to use, either as an impact-sub or, in some matches, a key starter.
He has the talent to unlock low blocks, which Villa has struggled with in the past. Moreover, the club’s need to reduce the age of their squad makes the signing of the Algerian international a sensible one.
As Villa aim to cement their status among Europe’s elite, the acquisition of a high-ceiling talent like Maza ensures the squad remains young, dynamic and perfectly equipped to continue their rapid progress.
