Aston Villa Targets 20-Million-Euro Move for Puerta
Aston Villa is preparing a 20-million-euro transfer move to activate the release clause of Racing de Santander midfielder Gustavo Puerta before the summer transfer window closes, according to reports from Spanish and Colombian outlets.
The Premier League club, backed by manager Unai Emery, has targeted the Colombia international to bolster a midfield unit affected by physical setbacks to Amadou Onana.
A Delicate Financial Realities for Racing de Santander
The potential transaction comes at a delicate time for Racing de Santander. According to reports detailed by Estadio Deportivo, the Cantabrian club had initiated discussions to improve Puerta’s salary and significantly raise his current 20-million-euro buyout clause.
However, while the player has not yet agreed to a contract extension, any interested club retains the right to trigger the existing release fee directly.
The Leverkusen 50 Percent Economic Rights Split
Racing de Santander faces a challenging financial split should the deal proceed. When Puerta arrived in Santander from Bayer Leverkusen in September 2025 on a contract running until June 30, 2029, the German club retained a 50% economic rights share.
Consequently, if Aston Villa deposits the full 20 million euros, Racing would collect roughly a portion before operational adjustments, a sum the club’s sporting management views as insufficient compensation given the player’s recent development.
World Cup Rise and English Football Familiarity
Puerta’s stock rose following his participation in Colombia’s four matches at the 2026 World Cup, following a strong promotion campaign with Racing in Spain’s Segunda División.
Standing as a versatile option capable of operating as a deep-lying pivot or a box-to-box central midfielder, the 23-year-old already possesses familiarity with English football after spending a previous stint in the EFL Championship with Hull City following his early career at Bogotá FC and Bayer Leverkusen.
Unai Emery Seeks Midfield Reinforcements
Unai Emery’s pursuit stems from immediate squad requirements. Amadou Onana’s recent fitness struggles left Aston Villa seeking a dynamic presence with high work rates, defensive recovery skills, and composure on the ball.
Puerta fits that tactical profile precisely, offering the physical robustness demanded in English top-flight fixtures.
Transfer Deadline Pressure Mounts
While Racing de Santander manager José Alberto López and the club’s board attempt to negotiate an updated agreement to fend off suitors, time remains limited ahead of the transfer deadline. Unless Puerta signs an extension carrying a higher valuation, the Cantabrian side holds no administrative mechanism to block a full buyout deposit.
