Alious
Aston Villa are preparing for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign with **Unai Emery’s squad targeting another European qualification push**. The club narrowly failed to secure Champions League football in the previous season after concluding their campaign beyond the top-five positions.
The Birmingham-based club faces crucial decisions regarding squad composition over the coming months. Strategic departures could **generate both financial resources and squad space** to facilitate incoming transfers for the new season.
Villa defender **Alex Moreno has attracted attention from Sunderland**, according to reports from Fichajes. The publication indicates that **Burnley, Real Betis, and Real Sociedad are also monitoring** the player’s availability for approximately **£5 million**. With his Villa Park contract expiring in June 2026, Moreno will **enter free agency status within twelve months**.
The 32-year-old spent the previous campaign on loan with Premier League colleagues **Nottingham Forest, accumulating 19 appearances** with 15 coming in league competition. Having returned to his parent club, Villa must now determine his immediate future.
### Moreno’s Villa Journey and Background
The Spanish left-back **joined Aston Villa in 2022 for £13 million** to strengthen their defensive options. Since his arrival, he has **registered 48 total appearances across all competitions**, contributing two goals from his defensive position.
Before his English football venture, Moreno gained experience with **Barcelona, Mallorca, Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Real Betis** throughout his career progression.
### Potential Departure Benefits All Parties
**A permanent exit would likely satisfy all stakeholders involved**. Moreno has struggled to establish himself as a regular under Emery’s management, evidenced by his temporary Forest assignment.
**Sunderland are adapting to Premier League requirements** following their recent Championship promotion, and Moreno would provide valuable top-flight experience to **Regis Le Bris’ developing squad**.
The Black Cats possess **financial flexibility after Jobe Bellingham’s Borussia Dortmund transfer**. The young midfielder has **emulated his brother Jude’s career path** by joining the German powerhouse, with his departure **creating transfer funds for squad reinforcement**.
### Leeds United Emerge as Serious Contenders
Sunderland face competition from **Leeds United alongside Burnley, Real Sociedad, and Betis** for Moreno’s services. Transfer correspondent **Ben Jacobs has confirmed on X that the Yorkshire club are genuine contenders**.
**Daniel Farke’s side secured the Championship title** ahead of Burnley and Sheffield United, and are actively seeking summer additions.
**Junior Firpo’s contract expires imminently**, making him a free agent and potentially creating a vacancy in Leeds’ left-back position. Moreno could **seamlessly replace Firpo if his departure is confirmed**.
### Competing Advantages for Both Clubs
**Leeds United can offer guaranteed regular playing time** at Elland Road, which may appeal to Moreno’s desire for consistent involvement. Conversely, **Sunderland already possess highly-regarded Dennis Cirkin** in the left-back position, meaning Moreno would **face greater competition for starting opportunities**.
This dynamic could prove decisive in Moreno’s decision-making process, as he weighs guaranteed minutes against the challenge of competing for his place in Sunderland’s Premier League project.
The reduced asking price represents exceptional value considering Villa’s original £13 million investment**, making this an attractive proposition for clubs seeking experienced defensive reinforcement without significant financial outlay.
Alious
