Former Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal could be back in the Premier League next season, and Spurs fans will be very surprised to learn where he may be headed.
It is fair to say that most Tottenham fans were not unhappy to see the back of Emerson Royal, who left Spurs to join AC Milan in a €15m (£13m) deal two years ago.
The Brazilian never managed to convince during his spell in North London, and Emerson also came in for a lot of criticism in Italy, failing to establish himself as a regular in Milan’s starting line-up.
In fact, the Rossoneri took a huge financial hit on the former Spurs man, selling him to Flamengo last summer for just €9m (£7.8m).
Tottenham flop Emerson Royal could join Aston Villa
The 27-year-old has impressed since his return to Brazil 12 months ago, having been solid at the back for Flamengo, and he could be rewarded with a return to Europe.
This is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Aston Villa have now made contact with the Brazilian club regarding Emerson.
The journalist stated that talks are ongoing between the two clubs for the former Spurs full-back, who Unai Emery wants as a backup to Matty Cash at right-back.
Romano wrote on X: “Aston Villa make contact with Flamengo to bring Emerson Royal back to the Premier League. Talks ongoing as ESPN Brasil. Brazilian RB can be the backup for Matty Cash, identified by AVFC.”
Spurs could close the gap on Aston Villa this summer
While Villa have secured a top-four finish again last season, their financial mismanagement over the last few years has put them in a position where they need to sell to buy and are being forced to settle for signings like Emerson.
In stark contrast, reports indicate that Tottenham are ready to spend £250m to improve their squad this summer.
If the Lilywhites do manage to land De Zerbi’s top targets, they could close the gap with Villa next season and potentially challenge for a European spot next season.