sounds like Aston Villa Are considering a move that will surely raise eyebrows from supporters. Former Spurs defender Emerson Royal is emerging as a target for Unai Emery's side.
The Brazilian's time in north London is one of the more memorable Premier League stories of recent years, but for the right reasons.
Emerson Royal arrived at Tottenham with high expectations. He made 101 appearances for the club and worked under several managers. Yet he never completely convinced a large section of his fans. His departure to Milan in 2024 was widely seen as the end of a difficult chapter.
Now, two years later, Aston Villa look set to give him another chance in English football.
according to espn brazilVilla have submitted a €9m (£7.7m) offer to Flamengo for the 27-year-old right-back. This proposal has reached the Brazilian club. However, the final decision has not been taken yet.
Flamengo's coaching staff and football department are known to be strong fans of Emerson Royal. Therefore, Aston Villa should not expect easy negotiations despite the fee being equal to what was originally paid by the Brazilian side.
That figure is an important detail. Flamengo signed Emerson Royal from AC Milan for €9m (£7.7m) in 2025. This was exactly the same amount Aston Villa is now offering.
Flamengo is weighing sporting and financial factors
The decision is not just the player's. ESPN reported that Flamengo are also assessing their financial situation. They may approve one or two more sales before the window closes.
The club have already raised €10m (£8.6m) by selling youngster Ryan Roberto to Shakhtar Donetsk, but further outgoing transfers remain a possibility.
This gives some encouragement to Aston Villa. Emerson Royal's contract is till December 2028. Flamengo are therefore not under immediate pressure to sell.
Additionally, recovering your investment on a player approaching his 20s could become part of the behind-the-scenes discussions.
The defender has been performing regularly since returning to Brazil. He has made 21 appearances this season and made a total of 40 appearances for Flamengo, scoring one goal and providing five assists.
Why might Villa see an opportunity?
Emerson Royle's reputation in England was largely built on his Tottenham years, but it is difficult to ignore his experience.
As well as his centuries for Spurs, he has also played for Barcelona, Real Betis, Milan and the Brazil national team. Clearly, that profile offers something different to a Villa squad preparing for another demanding campaign under Emery.
Whether the supporters will welcome this move or not is a different matter.
From Aston Villa's point of view, the main question is whether they will sign the defender best remembered by Tottenham fans. Or will it be the player who has quietly reclaimed his status after returning to South America?
For now, Villa has taken the first step. Flamengo are considering their response, and a transfer that seemed impossible a year ago is suddenly on the table.
