Aston Villa has approached Nicolás Tagliafico several times for a switch, Fabrizio Romano reports. According to the transfer market expert, there has been no contact between the Premier League club and Ajax director of football affairs Marc Overmars. Aston Villa is now the third club from England to be associated with the 29-year-old Argentina international. Earlier, the names of Chelsea and Newcastle United were also reviewed.
Ben Chilwell will not play for Chelsea for the rest of the season due to surgery for a lingering cruciate ligament injury. A hard blow for Thomas Tuchel, who has pushed for reinforcements from the left. The name of Tagliafico was discussed internally ‘weeks ago’, according to Romano. Chelsea are also interested in Everton’s Lucas Digne and are not ruling out bringing back a mercenary like Emerson Palmieri (on loan to Olympique Lyon) or Dutchman Ian Maatsen (on loan to Coventry City).
Nicolás Tagliafico will be an opportunity as he could leave Ajax in Jan. Aston Villa had approaches for Tagliafico – still no talks opened with Ajax. ???? #AVFCHe’s also been discussed internally at Chelsea weeks ago, among other names. Newcastle will decide soon on LB situation.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2021
Newcastle United, according to Romano, will soon decide whether or not to sign a left-back, as well as which one. Digne’s name also fell in North East England. Until the start of this season, Tagliafico was generally a basic player at Ajax. This football year, however, the Argentinian has to make do with a reserve role, as he only appeared at the kick-off five times. Daley Blind is preferred by Erik ten Hag and usually completes the ninety minutes.
Tagliafico extended his contract with Ajax more than a year ago until the summer of 2023, including a limited transfer fee. It is not known what amount Ajax requires from an interested club to let the defender go. Tagliafico was acquired by Ajax in January 2018 for 4 million euros from Independiente from his native country and had a price tag of 25 million euros in the summer of 2020. However, partly due to the corona crisis, no foreign club wanted to meet the transfer fee.
In conversation with the NOS Tagliafico admitted to doubting his future in Amsterdam a month ago. “This is the first time in my career that I’m not playing,” said the full-back. “Initially it was very tough. I think we should accept all negative experiences and learn from them. It forces me to grow as a person and to become mentally stronger.”
At the time, Tagliafico assured that he had only spoken to Ten Hag about his new role once. “If I were Ten Hag, I would talk more with the players on the bench, because November, December and January are tough months.” A day later, Ten Hag assured that he “absolutely did not feel addressed”. “I talk a lot with my players. I also talk to the substitutes, not just Tagliafico. Although I do think he is very mature, he is a top professional. He knows his position. He trains hard every day and if the team needs him, he is there.”