Aston Villa agree terms to sign player who Eddie Howe did not want at Newcastle United last summer

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Eddie Howe never panic buys at Newcastle United.

While transfer business has been limited at Newcastle United during the past three windows, there has always been an insistence that they will not sign players for the sake of it.

Ever since the change of ownership at St James’ Park, Newcastle have taken a long-term approach to signing players. Except for that first window, Eddie Howe has always brought in players with a view towards the future.

Newcastle United looked at Chelsea defender last summer

They have never brought in stopgaps, and that was epitomised last summer when the Magpies missed out on Marc Guehi.

While Newcastle needed a centre-back, they opted against bringing in just anyone.

Axel Disasi was linked with Newcastle, but the French defender never arrived at St James’ Park. It was later reported that Eddie Howe was not keen on signing Disasi, despite some people within the club in support of bringing the Chelsea centre-back to Tyneside.

Aston Villa make transfer move for Axel Disasi

Howe stood by his principles, choosing not to take a risk on a player he was not convinced by.

But while Newcastle would not take that chance, it looks like Aston Villa will.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has reported that Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Axel Disasi.

Romano wrote on X: “Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa. Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light. Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Aston Villa could sign another player who Newcastle United ignored

Unai Emery is in desperate need of a new centre-back this month, which appears to be why Villa are making a move to sign Disasi from Chelsea.

If that deal goes through, Disasi will become the second player that Villa have signed after Newcastle United opted not to.

Newcastle were offered Donyell Malen this month. However, the Dutchman has instead joined Aston Villa.

It is unclear why the Magpies did not take the opportunity, but it is a repeat of what happened in 2024. Malen was offered to Newcastle last year too, with Dan Ashworth choosing not to strike a deal.

Aston Villa are taking the transfer risks that Newcastle United choose not to. It could be argued that Villa are being braver, or that Newcastle are being more sensible. Only time will tell which it is.