Aston Villa optimistic midfielder Boubacar Kamara will sign new contract
The Athletic reported in April that Villa had made a contract offer to Kamara, 25, who has two years remaining on his existing terms.
The France international had been waiting to see whether Villa qualified for the Champions League before committing to fresh terms. They missed out on the final day after finishing sixth. However, all parties are increasingly positive of finalising terms on an extension, which would prove a major boost ahead of the upcoming campaign.
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Kamara joined Villa from Marseille on a free transfer in summer 2022 and has made 97 appearances for the West Midlands club in all competitions, scoring twice.
The midfielder has been a regular in Unai Emery's side since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained against Manchester United in February 2024. He was out for more than eight months before making his return in a Champions League fixture against Bologna in October last year.
From December, he started 27 of Villa's 34 matches in the Premier League and Champions League, missing three games with a hamstring issue.
Analysis by Jacob Tanswell
There is a widely held school of thought that Kamara is Villa's most important player, which is why they are so determined to keep him.
The midfielder had been keeping his options open at the end of last season, following Villa narrowly missing out on Champions League football, with several high-calibre clubs interested, as well as admiration from Saudi Arabia.
The France international is the glue in Villa's midfield and has struck up an excellent partnership with Villa's best player last season, Youri Tielemans. Provided Kamara can stay fit for the duration of the campaign, having been out with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last summer, it should make a huge impact to how Villa's season unfolds.
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