Aston Villa targets Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy and adds French club FC Annecy to its multi‑club network

Aston Villa have tabled a €17 million (£14.5 million) bid for Almería midfielder Dion Lopy, the 24‑year‑old Senegal international under contract until 2029. Almería have set a price of €20 million, making the move a real possibility if a compromise is reached. The Premier League transfer window opens on 15 June.

In parallel, V Sports – the holding company behind Aston Villa – has acquired a minority stake in Ligue 2 side FC Annecy. The French club joins V Sports' existing portfolio of Vissel Kobe in Japan, Real Unión in Spain and partnerships with clubs in Portugal, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire. The investment is intended to create pathways for young players from Villa's academy, with previous loan moves already linking the two clubs. V Sports' owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris view the stake as part of a broader strategy to develop talent and enhance infrastructure at Annecy.