Aston Villa appears to be preparing for another significant player sale, with potential financial repercussions reaching as far as Hamburg. There is increasing speculation at Villa Park that Amadou Onana could be among the players departing for a substantial fee this summer. HSV Hamburg, who initially signed the Belgian on a free transfer in 2020, is closely monitoring his situation. Each time Onana’s valuation rises, the German club benefits from sell-on clauses included in his previous transfers. With his market value currently at €49 million on Transfermarkt, HSV has substantial incentive to keep an eye on developments in Birmingham.
HSV Hamburg Could Reap Financial Rewards if Amadou Onana Leaves Aston Villa
The trajectory of Onana’s transfers is quite intriguing. HSV received 20% of the profit when Lille sold Onana to Everton, netting €5.6 million from that transaction. Following his transfer to Everton, Aston Villa subsequently purchased him, and Lille took 20% of the profit—a portion of which was sent back to Hamburg. Consequently, the German club received another payout, despite Onana not having played for them in five years. Currently, Everton holds a 10% sell-on clause with Villa, ensuring that Hamburg will receive a cut of any profits from a future sale.
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The allure of these clauses lies in the rapid increase of Onana’s value. He arrived at HSV as a free agent, moved to Lille for €13.57 million, transferred to Everton for €39.87 million, and subsequently signed with Villa in 2024 for £50 million—making him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history. As every transfer has surpassed the previous fee, these profit-sharing clauses continue to trigger.
Onana is already drawing interest from Manchester United, who require a midfielder to succeed Casemiro. Additionally, Barcelona, who expressed interest during his time at Everton, might also come into play if he opts to pursue his career ambitions. Onana has openly stated his wish to play for a top-tier club, mentioning, “I’m 24 and I feel like I’ve matured. In the past few months, I’ve played my best football ever.” Meanwhile, Aston Villa has been scouting Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara, indicating that the club recognizes the likelihood of his departure this summer.
Should Aston Villa Release Amadou Onana This Summer, or Would His Departure Hinder Unai Emery’s Progress?
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Amadou Onana of Aston Villa celebrates following the Premier League victory against Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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Deciding whether to sell Onana this summer presents a dilemma for Villa, weighing financial practicality against potential impacts on the team. The club faces financial challenges, making a significant sale seem likely in the upcoming window. If either United or Barcelona were to offer over €60 million, Villa could profit on a player acquired for £50 million, and those funds could address multiple squad needs.
However, the impact on the team must also be considered. Onana has logged over 1,500 minutes in the Premier League this season, serving as the defensive foundation that allows Emery’s more creative players to excel. Finding a player with his qualities—calm under pressure, just 24 years old, and contracted until 2029—would be a significant challenge within a single transfer window. While the rumors regarding Gabriel Sara are intriguing, he represents a different playing style, focusing more on the attacking end.
In my opinion, Aston Villa should only consider parting with Onana if the offer exceeds £65 million and a suitable replacement is identified. Selling merely to balance the books, without having a direct successor ready, could disrupt the defensive framework that Emery has meticulously put in place over the past two years. Given the strides Villa has made recently, it would be unwise to let financial difficulties lead to a regression on the pitch.