Alex Moreno is edging close to a move to the Premier League after rejecting a move to Nottingham Forest in the summer. According to ABC Sevilla, the defender is set to sign for Aston Villa, with personal terms now agreed.
The left-sided wing-back was all set for the City Ground during the summer. A fee had been agreed between the two clubs and the player was, at one stage, keen to move to England.
At the eleventh hour, however, the Spaniard had a change of heart. He posted an emotional message on his personal Instagram to let Real Betis fans know that he’d be staying.
Now, just five months after his emotional post, he is packing his bags. Moreno has been convinced by Unai Emery and his flirtatious advances to finally leave La Liga and enjoy a crack at the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has been with Real Betis since 2019 when he signed from Rayo Vallecano. He’s become a fan favourite at the club and last season, he helped them win the Copa del Rey.
He typically operates as a left-sided wing-back for Betis and will leave the club having made 122 appearances for the club. During that time, he’s found the net six times and claimed 14 assists.
Moreno edging closer to Premier League move but Forest shouldn’t worry
For the money he would have cost, Moreno would have been a useful signing for Forest. Still, he is 29-years-old and having never played in the Premier League the signing would have been a risk.
Instead, the Reds moved to sign Renan Lodi. He is only 24-years-old and right now, he’s showcasing the sort of form that tempted Forest to include an option to buy him in the season-long loan deal.
Forest upgraded massively by getting Lodi over Moreno. The Brazilian has played international football and also helped Atletico Madrid to win a La Liga title.
With Aston Villa now set to win the race to sign Moreno, Forest will find out once and for all just how useful the left-back can be in the Premier League.