Aston Villa have reportedly seen their move for Emerson Royal blocked after Flamengo head coach Leonardo Jardim stepped in to stop the deal.
Sport Witness reports that Villa had convinced Flamengo’s presidency over a deal worth around €10m, only for Jardim to push back against the defender’s exit.
The report claims Flamengo’s hierarchy had been willing to sanction Emerson’s return to English football. Jardim, however, wanted to keep the 27-year-old as part of his senior defensive group.
Villa had already improved their proposal after earlier talks. Read Aston Villa previously covered Villa’s Emerson Royal offer, with Unai Emery looking for another right-back option behind Matty Cash.
The latest twist suggests this was not simply a valuation gap. Flamengo were also concerned about weakening the right side of their defence, with Guillermo Varela needing senior cover.
Emerson would have brought Premier League experience and tactical flexibility after his spell at Tottenham.
For Villa, the frustration is obvious. Even a workable fee can collapse if the selling manager believes the squad cost is greater than the transfer income.
Emery may now need to move quickly towards alternative right-back targets before pre-season planning hardens.
