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aston villa The defense has been quite porous this season and has been unable to stop their regular goals. According to SofascoreVilla have conceded 32 goals in the top flight this season, better than just six teams in the entire division. This is undoubtedly a problem Unai Emeryside.
However, this is very surprising considering how experienced they are on defense. England internationals Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings are two options, although the latter has only recently returned from injury. The likes of Paulo Torres and Diego Carlos are other options available to Emery.
It probably comes as no surprise that Villa are on the lookout for a new centre-back this winter.
Aston Villa eye new defender
The player is 18-year-old Turkish center back Yasin Ozcan. Kasimpasa’s No. 58 jersey has really impressed since breaking into the first team and has now been linked with a move away from the club.
According to a report in The AthleticVilla are now thought to be “close to signing” the 18-year-old defender, who will undergo a medical on Tuesday afternoon before officially signing the deal.
However, he is likely not to play at Villa Park this season. Reports claim that Ozcan will return to Kashim Pasha on loan for the remainder of the season.
The young player is reportedly worth £5.8 million, with add-ons of £841,000, and is contracted until 2030.
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Why Ozkan would be a good signing
Despite his inexperience, this is a very important season in Ozcan’s development in 2024/25. At only 18 years old, he has Appeared 18 times Kasimpasa has started all but one game in Türkiye’s top flight this season. The only game he did not start was their most recent game, a 5-0 loss to Gotzepe.
He is undoubtedly a highly rated young player, Football talent scout Jacek Kulig describes him As a “talented” defender. Part of the reason for receiving such high praise may have to do with his versatility. The 18-year-old can play as central defender and left centre-back, making him an excellent option for Unai Emery this season.
In fact, he could be an excellent long-term replacement for Villa defender Carlos. The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the club, with Fenerbahce making an offer but Villa rejecting it According to The Athletic.
The 31-year-old brings experience to Villa’s defense but has not been first choice under Emery this season. he has Played 17 times Across all competitions, only ten of them have been played in the Premier League.
When looking at the statistical battle between the two, it’s easy to see why Ozkan could be a long-term replacement and upgrade for Carlos. Statistics on Sofascore. The youngster has outscored the Villa star in several key defensive metrics.
For example, when looking at Carlos’ head-to-head statistics in the Premier League on Sofascorehe won an average of 1.1 ground duels and 1.1 aerial duels per game. In comparison, Ozcan averaged 2.2 ground duels won per game and 2.1 aerial duels won per game.
|
Ozcan vs. Carlos defensive stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
State (per 90 people) |
||
|
intercept |
2.1 |
0.5 |
|
Tackle wins |
1.3 |
0.8 |
|
ball recovery |
3.7 |
3.6 |
|
Clearance |
3.6 |
3.5 |
|
duel won |
4.2 |
2.2 |
|
Duel winning rate % |
51% |
47% |
|
Sofascore statistics |
||
As the numbers show, the young Turkish star will certainly be an upgrade to Villa’s aging Brazilian defenders. Carlos’ transfer fee was not reported, but the club would only have to plow the money straight back into signing Ozcan for around £6 million.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season and the next few seasons, bringing in a talented left-footed defender at just 18 years old for such a cheap price seems like an excellent piece of business for Villa.
