Manchester City target Ezri Konsa with the report that Pep Guardiola is exploring a bold move for the Aston Villa’s in-form defender. The Sky Blues look to reinforce their defensive ranks ahead of next season.
The defender’s growing influence under Unai Emery at Aston Villa has not gone unnoticed across England’s top flight.
According to reports from TBR Football, both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City target Ezri Konsa and are closely monitoring the 26-year-old after a series of commanding displays in the heart of Villa’s defence.
City, who have already poached Villa for young midfielder Sverre Nypan earlier in the year, are now considering another approach to strengthen their backline.
Guardiola, who has long valued versatility in his defenders, is said to admire Konsa’s ability to adapt between a traditional back four and a back three system—qualities that mirror the demands of the City boss’s tactical setup.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are equally interested as they prepare to bolster their central defence ahead of 2026. Spurs, though significantly improved in recent months, are eager to add more quality and depth at centre-back.
Konsa’s form has placed him firmly on their radar, with scouts impressed by his positional intelligence and calmness in possession.
The interest in Konsa stretches beyond these two clubs. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all scouted the England international within the past year, a reflection of how highly regarded he has become among Premier League elites.
Each of these sides has reasons to admire Konsa’s attributes—Chelsea’s ongoing focus on young home-grown talent, Liverpool’s defensive uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, and United’s search for more reliable Premier League-tested options as part of their rebuilding project.
Unai Emery’s Villa have transformed defensively under his guidance, with Konsa at the heart of that success.
Known for his pace, composure, and tactical discipline, he has become a vital figure in a side that alternates between a compact mid-block and a high defensive line, adjusting seamlessly to different match situations.
Also, his ability to anticipate danger, make timely interceptions, and carry the ball confidently out of defence has been crucial in Villa’s push toward European qualification.
Guardiola’s search for stability at the back
For Manchester City, the pursuit of Konsa aligns with Pep Guardiola’s ongoing plan to refresh his defensive unit.
After several seasons of relentless competition across domestic and European fronts, City’s defenders—led by stalwarts such as Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Aké—have shouldered heavy workloads.
Injuries and fatigue have occasionally exposed the need for more rotation, particularly as Guardiola continues to experiment with his evolving tactical systems.
Guardiola’s preference for defenders capable of transitioning between roles and offering tactical flexibility makes Konsa an appealing target. His ability to step into midfield during build-up play, combined with his composure under pressure, fits seamlessly into City’s possession-dominant philosophy.
Moreover, the English defender’s experience in Premier League intensity adds to his value as a reliable, home-grown addition—a significant consideration under league registration rules.
While Guardiola’s admiration is clear, City are expected to face stiff competition for Konsa’s signature. Spurs are equally keen, viewing him as an ideal fit alongside Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
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Liverpool and United are also weighing their options, with both clubs actively assessing their defensive depth ahead of major squad overhauls.
At Chelsea, recruitment chiefs have continued their long-term strategy of acquiring young English talent, and Konsa—who has proven his quality at both club and international levels—ticks many of their boxes.
In the months ahead, the battle for Ezri Konsa’s signature could become one of the most intriguing transfer stories in English football—pitting the Premier League’s biggest names against each other in pursuit of one of the division’s most dependable defenders.
