Aston Villa confirm £25m signing of midfielder from La Liga side

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Javi Morales from Real Betis for a reported £25m fee. The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club, bolstering Unai Emery's squad ahead of their Champions League campaign.

Morales arrives after making 35 La Liga appearances last season, contributing seven goals and nine assists for Betis. His technical quality and ability to operate across multiple midfield roles made him a priority target for Villa's recruitment team seeking depth in European competitions.

The transfer represents Villa's third major summer acquisition as they prepare for their first Champions League group stage appearance since 1983. For Betis, the deal provides significant financial flexibility under La Liga's salary cap rules while retaining 15% of any future transfer fee.

Morales is expected to compete with Douglas Luiz and Youri Tielemans for starting positions, with Villa's preseason training commencing next week. The Andalusian club have already identified Valencia's Hugo Guillamón as a potential replacement.