Girona complete signing of former Aston Villa defender Moreno

 

ASTON VILLA DEFENDER ALEX MORENO SIGNS FOR LA LIGA'S GIRONA

Álex Moreno has officially sealed a return to his homeland, drawing the curtain on his time with Aston Villa after two-and-a-half seasons in English football.

The 32-year-old full-back was Unai Emery’s very first signing at Villa Park, arriving from Real Betis in January 2023 for a fee of around £13.2 million. He settled in quickly, providing energy and attacking intent down the left flank. His debut half-season was steady, but it was in the 2023/24 campaign that he truly showcased his qualities, racking up 29 appearances across all competitions. That included 21 in the Premier League as Villa enjoyed a memorable campaign, securing a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification for the first time in over four decades.

However, his progress stalled the following year. The arrivals and resurgence of Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne saw Moreno slip down the pecking order in Emery’s squad. Keen for regular game time, he accepted a season-long loan move to Nottingham Forest in 2024/25, where he featured consistently and regained sharpness in a team fighting at the other end of the table.

Despite showing his versatility and experience, a path back into Villa’s starting XI appeared slim. With the club continuing to refresh its squad for the demands of European and domestic competition, Moreno made the decision to return to Spain, where he will look to recapture the form that earned him his move to the Premier League.

Before moving to England, Moreno carved out a strong reputation in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis. His marauding runs, crossing ability, and work rate made him one of the league’s most reliable left-backs, and those same qualities allowed him to adapt well to the fast pace of English football.

Though his time in Birmingham was relatively brief, Moreno leaves with the distinction of having played a role in Villa’s resurgence under Emery, helping them break into the Premier League’s top four and return to Europe’s elite stage. Now, back on familiar ground in Spain, he will aim to extend his career at the highest level and bring his wealth of experience to his new club.