Aston Villa are set to reassess their midfield transfer plans after Amadou Onana suffered an ACL rupture during Belgium’s World Cup win over the United States.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Onana faces a spell on the sidelines after sustaining the injury in Belgium’s 4-1 last-16 victory over the USMNT.
The setback is a major blow for the 24-year-old. He had helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals alongside Villa team-mate Youri Tielemans.
talkSPORT also reports that Onana has torn his anterior cruciate ligament. As a result, he will miss the rest of Belgium’s tournament.
Belgium now face Spain without one of their most important midfielders. For Villa, the impact may last much longer.
Villa Must Reassess Midfield Plans
According to The Athletic, Villa did not plan to recruit in Onana’s position this summer. However, they will now reassess that stance.
That changes the shape of Unai Emery’s window.
Onana had been expected to play a key role next season. His power, height and defensive range give Villa a different midfield profile.
Without him, Emery loses an important option alongside Tielemans, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara.
Read Aston Villa has already covered how Onana’s injury overshadowed Belgium’s progress. This latest update makes the transfer impact clearer.
Villa now have two routes. They can cover the injury internally and trust their existing depth. Alternatively, they can move into the market for another midfielder.
The timing is awkward. Villa are preparing for pre-season, while several senior players remain involved at the World Cup.
Onana’s injury does not just weaken Belgium’s tournament hopes. It may also force Villa into a transfer rethink they did not expect to make.
