Looks like Aston Villa are considering a move that would certainly raise eyebrows

Looks like Aston Villa are considering a move that would certainly raise eyebrows

Looks like Aston Villaare considering a move that would certainly raise eyebrows among supporters. Former Spurs defender Emerson Royal is emerging as a target for Unai Emery’s side.

The Brazilian’s time in north London remains one of the more memorable Premier League stories of recent years, but for the right reasons.

Emerson Royal arrived at Tottenham with high expectations. He made 101 appearances for the club and worked under several managers. Yet he never fully convinced large sections of the fanbase. His departure to Milan in 2024 was widely seen as the end of a difficult chapter.

Now, two years later, Aston Villa appear willing to offer him another chance in English football.

According to ESPN Brazil, Villa have submitted a €9m (£7.7m) offer to Flamengo for the 27-year-old right-back. The proposal has already reached the Brazilian club. Although a final decision has not yet been made.

Flamengo’s coaching staff and football department are said to be strong admirers of Emerson Royal. Therefore, Aston Villa should not expect an easy negotiation despite matching the fee the Brazilian side originally paid for him.

That figure is an important detail. Flamengo signed Emerson Royal from AC Milan in 2025 for €9m (£7.7m). It was exactly the same amount Aston Villa are now offering.

Flamengo weighing sporting and financial factors

The decision is not simply about the player. ESPN explain Flamengo are also assessing their financial situation. They could sanction one or two more sales before the window closes.

The club have already raised €10m (£8.6m) through the sale of youngster Ryan Roberto to Shakhtar Donetsk, but further outgoing transfers remain a possibility.

That gives Aston Villa some encouragement. Emerson Royal is under contract until December 2028. So Flamengo are not under immediate pressure to sell.

At the same time, recovering their investment on a player approaching his late twenties may become part of the discussion behind the scenes.

The defender has featured regularly since returning to Brazil. He has played 21 matches this season and has made 40 appearances in total for Flamengo, contributing one goal and five assists.

Why Villa may see an opportunity

Emerson Royal’s reputation in England was shaped largely by his Tottenham years, but his experience is difficult to ignore.

Alongside his century of appearances for Spurs, he has also played for Barcelona, Real Betis, Milan and the Brazil national team. Clearly, that profile offers something different to a Villa squad preparing for another demanding campaign under Emery.

Whether supporters would welcome the move is another matter.

From Aston Villa’s perspective, the key question is whether they would be signing the defender remembered by Tottenham fans. Or would it be the player who has quietly rebuilt his standing since returning to South America?

For now, Villa have made the first move. Flamengo are considering their response, and a transfer that would have seemed unlikely a year ago is suddenly on the table.