Begovic backs Rafael Leao as 'incredible signing' for Aston Villa
Quick summary
Former Chelsea and Milan goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has publicly endorsed Rafael Leao as a potential signing for Aston Villa, describing the Portuguese forward as a transformative acquisition.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAsmir Begovic believes Rafael Leao would be a transformative signing for Aston Villa, with the Milan forward linked to a late move to Birmingham.
With quotes via MilanNews.it , the former Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper told Sky Sports that Leao’s attributes are tailor-made for English football, drawing on his time as the Portuguese’s teammate at San Siro.
“It wouldn’t be good news, it would be fantastic news for Aston Villa fans,” Begovic said. “Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing. I played with him. I saw his potential, his speed, his power and his ability. He’d be perfect for the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and his physical qualities will suit the English league perfectly.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Asmir Begovic of AC Milan kicks a ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 8, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Begovic points to Milan’s main flaw amid Leao exit links The goalkeeper also offered an explanation for the inconsistency that has dogged Leao in recent seasons. “At Milan, he grew and established himself,” he said.
“He had good, experienced players around him and good continuity. Then things started to change, a lot of coaches started changing. That certainly didn’t help his consistency. Everyone deployed him in a slightly different way.”
Begovic sees Unai Emery as the answer to that. “Look at Unai Emery and what he’s done with some Aston Villa players,” he said.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, speaks to the media in a pre-match press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) “For Rafael Leao, working with Emery and having the opportunity to be Aston Villa’s key player would be fantastic.”
Villa emerged as suitors on Monday, with Milan understood to be willing to reopen talks at €50m having previously held out for €60m. On Tuesday, Tottenham reportedly entered the race as rivals to the Villains’ pursuit. Leao missed the opening weekend with a thigh problem.
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What happened
Asmir Begovic, who played for both Chelsea and AC Milan during his career, has spoken out about Rafael Leao's suitability for Aston Villa. The former Bosnia international suggested that Leao would be an 'incredible signing' for the Premier League club, praising the Portuguese winger's qualities. The comments come amid ongoing speculation around Leao's future at Milan. Begovic's perspective carries weight given his experience at both clubs, giving him insight into what Leao could bring to English football and why Villa would benefit from his profile.
Chance analysis
Comments from former players, while speculative, often reflect or fuel transfer discourse around high-profile targets. Leao has long been linked with a Premier League move, and endorsement from someone who knows both Serie A and English football adds credibility to the narrative. For Aston Villa, pursuing a player of Leao's calibre would represent a significant statement of intent, though financial constraints and Milan's valuation make such a deal complex.
No immediate impact on team or player availability; speculative transfer discussion only.