Report: Liverpool Plan Move For Villa Midfield Ace Amid Contract Standoff | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Aston Villa Midfield General Amid Contract Talks

Kamara’s Influence Grows After Return from Injury

As reported by TBR Football, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara, and they aren’t alone. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Inter Milan are all circling as well. What’s clear is that Kamara’s stock is rising—and fast.

After a long injury spell sidelined him for most of last season, Kamara returned this campaign with something to prove. And prove it he has. His ball-winning ability and tactical discipline have been pivotal for Unai Emery’s side, particularly in controlling midfield battles. He’s shown he can shield the defence and dictate tempo, offering the kind of balance any top side craves.

“Kamara has shown he’s one of the most important players at Villa, able to break up play and distribute the ball very competently, creating a great balance between defence and attack.”

Villa, aware of the growing interest, are acting quickly. They’ve opened talks with Kamara’s camp about a new deal. According to TBR, it includes a “huge pay rise” in an attempt to lock him down before the season ends. Initial discussions have reportedly been positive, but the shadow of a summer move still looms.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Midfield May Yet Shift Again

With Arne Slot stepping into Jurgen Klopp’s shoes, squad reshaping is expected. Despite last summer’s overhaul, the midfield remains a live topic. Wataru Endo has interest from abroad—Eintracht Frankfurt are said to be keen—and while Harvey Elliott is admired by Newcastle, Liverpool’s asking price of £40–50m is likely to be a deal-breaker.

But even losing one of those names could open space for a player like Kamara. In truth, Liverpool need someone who does the dirty work—an intelligent disruptor who wins possession, fills space, and feeds the more creative players. Kamara fits that mould better than most.

“If the Reds do shed one or two midfielders, it seems they would be more in need of Kamara than Arsenal are.”

Arsenal and Chelsea Less Pressed for Options

Unlike Liverpool, both Arsenal and Chelsea appear more settled in midfield. Arsenal are reportedly progressing in talks for Martin Zubimendi, a player Liverpool once admired, while Chelsea’s current crop includes Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Enzo Fernandez.

For Liverpool, it’s not about numbers—it’s about fit. Kamara would offer something different. He’s young, tactically aware, and battle-tested in the Premier League.

Villa’s Dilemma: Reward or Release?

This is where things get sticky for Villa. They’re aiming for Champions League football and want to keep their best players. Selling to a direct rival would be a statement they’d rather avoid—unless, of course, Kamara has a release clause in his current deal.

“Villa have reportedly been encouraged by initial contacts and hope they’re able to come to an agreement before the end of the season.”

If they fail to secure his signature soon, the vultures will circle—and Liverpool, watching closely, might just pounce.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This rumour is exactly the sort of link that gets fans talking. Boubacar Kamara ticks all the boxes Liverpool have needed ticking since the Fabinho era began to decline. He’s mobile, reads the game well, can cover ground, and keeps it tidy. If you’re serious about challenging for the biggest prizes again, this is the sort of player you go out and get.

But here’s where the cautious optimism kicks in. First off, Aston Villa aren’t selling on the cheap. They’re now trying to establish themselves in the top four, not gift players to rivals. Unless there’s a release clause, it’s hard to see them letting Kamara walk—especially to a club they’re directly competing with. Villa have cash, ambition, and a manager who knows how to keep players loyal.

Then there’s Kamara’s injury record, which isn’t getting better. Two seasons and two long layoffs—can you build a midfield around that? Liverpool have been burnt before with injury-prone signings. Fans will remember.

So yes, Kamara would improve us. But will Villa let him go? And can he stay fit long enough to justify the move? The scouting team better be asking the right questions—because this one’s too big to get wrong.