Aston Villa have announced that a deal is in place to sign Kasimpasa youngster Yasin Ozcan.
Unai Emery has just acquired as many as five fresh faces during the winter transfer window in a bid to strengthen the club's Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League ambitions.
Central defence has been a particular area of concern due to the sale of Diego Carlos and injuries to Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings.
The arrival of Chelsea's Axel Disasi on loan has helped resolve the situation in the short term, yet that not stopped Villa from looking to the future.
On Monday afternoon, it was revealed that Ozcan is in line to make the move to the West Midlands ahead of 2025-26.
Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Yasin Ozcan from Kasimpasa on a pre-contract agreement. pic.twitter.com/4ZPSbNoSnr
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 10, 2025
Who is Yasin Ozcan?
While a fee has not been disclosed, sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs alleges that Villa are paying €8m (£6.66m) for the versatile prospect.
Villa have decided to invest in the 18-year-old who has remarkably already made 77 appearances in Super Lig.
In 81 appearances for Kasimpasa, either at left-back or in the middle, Ozcan has chipped in with five goals and three assists.
Most notably this campaign, Ozcan has been part of Kasimpasa sides that have earned a draw with Galatasaray and recorded a 3-1 win over Besiktas.
Although a contract was signed during the summer, his current employers are prepared to cash in on his signature.
© Imago
Will Ozcan stay with Villa senior squad?
At this stage, nothing has been confirmed either way, but it is fair to assume that Ozcan will be a member of Emery's first-team squad if Villa have European competition on their schedule.
There have been times this season when the amount of games have caught up with the West Midlands outfit, and possessing a player who can play in two defensive positions may prove invaluable.
Furthermore, Ozcan could become a full Turkey international by next season. Already a regular Under-21 international, he has twice featured on the substitutes' bench for the seniors.
Darren Plant
