Aston Villa are preparing to hand a vote of confidence to Amadou Onana , with a contract expected to run until June 2031 despite his knee injury. Foot Mercato journalist Sébastien Denis, as relayed by Sport Witness , reported on September 4 that an agreement has been sealed and that an official announcement is imminent.
Onana, 25, has a deal until June 2029, but Villa have chosen to add two years while he works through rehabilitation after rupturing his right ACL during Belgium 's 4-1 World Cup win over the USA in July. He went off after a collision while challenging Christian Pulisic and now faces a lengthy absence. Denis describes the decision as a show of support from the club.
The Belgian has made 72 appearances for Villa since his £50 million move from Everton in 2024, scoring seven goals across his first two seasons. He was part of the side that lifted the Europa League last season, and the club still see him as a central figure despite the setback.
A five-year commitment is definitely risky, but there's a sound football reason behind it. Onana gives Unai Emery's midfield something hard to replace, and that is size, aerial strength, ground coverage and the ability to protect the defence when Villa lose possession. His presence helps the back four play with greater security, particularly in a 4-2-2-2 shape.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Amadou Onana of Aston Villa lifts the Europa League trophy on the bus during the Aston Villa trophy parade on May 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. Aston Villa defeated SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League Final in Istanbul to claim their first European trophy in 44 years. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
That absence has forced Villa to restructure the midfield. João Gomes arrived, while Leon Goretzka joined as another experienced option, yet neither signing replaces Onana's physical profile in full. Emery can patch the problem for a season, but that doesn't make the underlying need disappear.
There's a second angle too. Onana remains 25, and letting his contract run to 2029 would create an awkward situation if he returned strongly in 2027. Rivals could test Villa's resolve with lower offers, knowing the midfielder had limited time left. Extending now removes that pressure and gives the club control over his next prime years.
The timing matters emotionally as well. An ACL injury can leave a player facing months away from matches, training and dressing-room routines. Villa's decision tells Onana that his value hasn't vanished because his season has. For a player entering his peak, that security can matter. Emery and the hierarchy have backed the player they believe he will become, not merely the player available this month.
