Ghanaian left-back David Oduro is set to leave Barcelona permanently, with Aston Villa working to complete a deal for the 20-year-old before the transfer deadline.
The English club have identified Oduro as their leading target and are discussing a move that would allow the defender to continue his development away from England. If the transfer goes through, Villa intend to send him on loan to French Ligue 2 club FC Annecy.
Villa are currently the closest club to securing Oduro’s services, although Portuguese second-tier side Tondela are also monitoring the situation. The proposed transfer would end the Ghanaian’s two-year spell with Barcelona.
Barcelona are nevertheless seeking to maintain a long-term interest in the player. As part of the proposed arrangement, the Spanish club want to retain 50% of Oduro’s future rights.
Oduro joined Barcelona in August 2024, when the club announced that he had signed a three-year contract. He was then placed with Barca Atletic, the club’s reserve team, which was competing in Spain’s third tier.
The left-back made his first appearance for the reserves in November 2024 against Real Sociedad B in the Primera Federacion. He entered the match at half-time, replacing Alexis Olmedo, as the game finished 1-1.
A move to Aston Villa, followed by a loan spell at FC Annecy, would represent a significant change in Oduro’s development path after his time in Barcelona’s system. Villa’s interest has placed them ahead of Tondela in the race for the defender, with negotiations continuing before the transfer deadline.
Barcelona’s decision to seek 50% of Oduro’s future rights reflects the club’s desire to preserve a stake in his career even if he leaves on a permanent basis. The proposed deal would therefore allow the defender to depart while keeping Barcelona financially involved in any future move.
For Oduro, the transfer would bring his two-year association with Barcelona to a close. His only recorded appearance for Barca Atletic came in the draw against Real Sociedad B, after he had been introduced for the second half in place of Olmedo.
