Pape Gueye continues to attract significant interest in the transfer market. After a convincing season with Villarreal, the Senegalese international midfielder has established himself as one of the most sought-after players in his position. His consistent performances in Spain, combined with a generally successful individual showing at the 2026 World Cup, have boosted his profile among several European clubs. Aston Villa is among the teams closely monitoring his situation, eyeing a potential signing during this summer transfer window.
Despite Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, Pape Gueye left a very positive impression. The midfielder was one of the most consistent players for the Lions of Teranga, showcasing great technical skill, significant activity in midfield, and a knack for winning back possession. His performances against top-level opponents confirmed his progress and demonstrated that he now has the experience needed to compete in the biggest European leagues.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by English scouts. According to information from Transferfeed, Aston Villa has placed the Senegalese international among its top targets to strengthen its midfield. The Birmingham club is actively seeking a player who can bring balance, physical impact, and quality in transitioning play. This search intensified after Amadou Onana’s injury, which will keep him out for several months, forcing the club to quickly find a reinforcement that meets the coach’s demands.
Pape Gueye’s profile fits the Villans’ needs perfectly. At 27, the Senegalese has solid experience gained in France, Spain, and on the international stage. His ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player is a major asset. His tactical intelligence, work rate, and passing quality allow him to adapt to different systems. This versatility makes him a highly sought-after player in the current market, where midfielders capable of fulfilling multiple roles are in high demand.
Wearing the Villarreal colors, Pape Gueye reached a new level last season. In La Liga, he played 30 matches, scored 5 goals, and provided 2 assists. Beyond the stats, his influence on the game has been crucial. He has established himself as an indispensable part of the Yellow Submarine’s setup, significantly contributing to the club’s qualification for the next edition of the Champions League thanks to his consistency and impact in both phases of play.
Under contract with Villarreal until June 2028, Pape Gueye is tied to the club for several more seasons, putting the Spanish side in a strong position during negotiations. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is currently estimated at 40 million euros, roughly 26.2 billion CFA francs. This figure reflects his rise in recent months and could represent a significant investment for Aston Villa or any other contender looking to secure his services.
Pape Gueye 🇸🇳 is on Aston Villa’s radar, who are considering paying his release clause of 45 million euros following Amadou Onana’s injury.
Everton is also monitoring his situation, while Manchester United had already expressed interest in April 2026.
(🗞️ The Sun ) pic.twitter.com/MIMM85weMD
— 13football_com (@13footballC) July 8, 2026
A potential return to England would have a special flavor for the Senegalese midfielder. He would be going back to a country where his first adventure never really took off after a failed transfer to Watford a few years ago. This time, the context is very different. With his experience at the highest level and his performances with Villarreal and the Senegal national team, Pape Gueye seems ready to take on the challenge of the Premier League. Now, it remains to be seen if Aston Villa will make a move or if other English clubs will ramp up the competition in the coming weeks.
