Amadou Onana Makes Huge Aston Villa Exit Admission With ‘Transfer to World-Class Club’ Statement

Belgian Midfielder Openly Discusses Future Ambitions as Aston Villa Title Push Continues

Amadou Onana has never been short on confidence, but his latest comments have landed with particular weight around Aston Villa. In an unusually open interview, the Belgian midfielder has admitted that a future transfer to a world-class club remains one of his biggest career ambitions — an honest statement that has inevitably sparked debate about how long his stay in the Midlands might last.

While Onana was careful to stress his respect and appreciation for Villa, his words made one thing clear: he sees Aston Villa as a step, not the final destination. For a club pushing hard at the top end of the Premier League, that admission is both a compliment and a quiet warning.

Onana Reveals ‘World-Class’ Transfer Ambition

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Onana was asked directly whether he sees himself one day playing for one of the elite clubs in world football. His response was measured, but unmistakably clear.

“Yes, I think one day I’ll make a transfer to a club that is world-class,” Onana said. “That is really a career goal. I am 24 and feel that I have become more mature. In the past months, I have played my best football ever.”

There was no attempt to soften the message or hide behind vague language. Onana knows where he wants to go — and he believes he is on the right path to get there.

For Villa supporters, the statement might sting slightly. But for others, it simply reflects modern football reality. Top players rarely view clubs outside the traditional elite as permanent homes, particularly when they believe their peak years are still ahead of them.

Why Aston Villa Was the ‘Right Step’ at the Time

Importantly, Onana was keen to explain why he chose Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, despite interest from elsewhere. His move from Everton raised eyebrows at the time, not least because of the clubs circling him after a strong spell at Goodison Park.

“After my period at Everton, I already had contact with top clubs,” he revealed. “Ultimately, I chose Aston Villa because I thought it was the right step at that moment.”

That line — at that moment — says a lot. Onana viewed Villa as the perfect environment to refine his game, gain consistency at a higher level, and work under a coach capable of elevating him tactically.

In that sense, the plan appears to be working. Onana looks more assured, more disciplined, and more influential than at any previous point in his career.

Aston Villa v RB Leipzig – Pre-Season Friendly

Unai Emery Praised as a ‘Tactical Genius’

Much of that development, according to Onana, is down to Unai Emery. The Belgian did not hold back when discussing the Villa boss, placing him above every coach he has worked with so far.

“He is the best trainer I have already had,” Onana said. “He brings me new ideas about my game. Tactically he is a genius. It is impressive to see him busy every day.”

Those words will be music to Emery’s ears. Since arriving at Villa Park, the Spaniard has quietly rebuilt the club’s identity, turning them into one of the most tactically organised and mentally resilient sides in the league.

For Onana, Emery’s influence has been particularly significant. His positional discipline has improved, his decision-making under pressure looks calmer, and his understanding of space — both in and out of possession — has noticeably sharpened.

Aston Villa’s Title Race Reality Check

Onana’s comments come at a fascinating moment in Villa’s season. With 15 matches remaining, they sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal, firmly embedded in the Premier League title conversation.

Yet despite their position, Onana insists there is no sense of overconfidence inside the dressing room.

“We are now four points behind Arsenal, but there are still many matches to play,” he said. “We try not to talk about the title in the dressing room, but know that we have good players.”

That mindset reflects Emery’s approach — focusing on process rather than hype. Villa know they are ahead of schedule in their development, and while belief is growing, the emphasis remains on consistency rather than declarations.

‘Heavy Blow’ as Tielemans Injury Rocks Midfield

Villa’s momentum, however, has been dented by worrying news in midfield. Onana confirmed that Youri Tielemans is set to miss the coming weeks through injury — a setback that could prove costly at a critical stage of the campaign.

“Unfortunately, it will have to happen without Youri Tielemans the coming weeks,” Onana admitted. “That’s a heavy blow for him, he was in great form. We hope that he is back in time for the final sprint.”

Tielemans has been one of Villa’s most influential players this season, offering control, creativity and leadership. His absence places even greater responsibility on Onana, who will now be expected to anchor the midfield and maintain balance during a demanding run of fixtures.

Defensive Discipline Over Goalscoring Numbers

Newcastle United v Aston Villa – Premier League

Despite his imposing physical presence, Onana has never been a prolific goalscorer — and he is unapologetic about it. When questioned about his modest tally of 17 goals in 219 career matches, the Belgian was quick to point out that goals are not his primary responsibility.

“Yes, I am big, but that doesn’t make such a difference to score,” he explained. “I am not a number nine, but a number six at Aston Villa.”

Under Emery, Onana’s role is clearly defined. He is tasked with protecting the defence, breaking up opposition play, and ensuring positional stability — not crashing the box every week.

“On set pieces, I am also not always the target,” he added. “We try to do other things to surprise our opponent.”

It is a refreshingly honest assessment. In a game increasingly obsessed with statistics, Onana measures his success differently — through trust from the manager and contribution to the collective.

Content for Now, But Eyes on the Future

When confronted with his numbers, Onana remained calm and grounded.

“That can be better,” he admitted. “But I don’t lie awake from it as long as the trainer is satisfied with my work.”

That line perhaps sums him up best. He is ambitious, yes — openly so. But he is also patient, aware that development comes in phases.

For Aston Villa, Onana’s comments should not be seen as an immediate red flag. Instead, they underline the club’s progress under Emery. Villa are now a place where top-level talents believe they can grow before taking the next step.

A Statement That Reflects Modern Football

In truth, Onana’s ‘world-class club’ admission says as much about modern football as it does about Aston Villa. Players are more transparent. Career planning is discussed openly. Loyalty and ambition coexist — even if only temporarily.

Villa may yet convince Onana that his future lies at Villa Park longer than expected. Continued Champions League qualification, a genuine title challenge, and sustained growth could all change the picture.

For now, though, Onana is focused on the present — anchoring Villa’s midfield, chasing silverware, and continuing to mature under a manager he clearly admires.

The future can wait. But it is already being imagined.