When Andrés García made the move from Levante to Aston Villa in January 2025, it seemed like a perfect match. The young right-back arrived for a reported €7 million, and the club clearly viewed him as a long-term investment. Fast forward just over a year, and the 23-year-old's situation at Villa Park has taken an unexpected turn.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, as reported by Sport Witness, Valencia have now made direct contact with Aston Villa about García's availability ahead of the summer transfer window. This isn't a passing interest either—Valencia had already explored a potential deal back in January.

Here's where things get interesting for Unai Emery. Valencia have reportedly reached out to García's representatives to understand how he feels about his current situation. The La Liga side have been searching for a long-term solution at right-back for what feels like forever, relying on temporary fixes across multiple transfer windows. This summer, they're determined to change that, and García fits the profile they're looking for.

Aston Villa blocked any January move, with Emery publicly stating that García remained in his plans. But actions speak louder than words. This season, García has managed just 33 minutes of Premier League football. To put that in perspective, Lamare Bogarde—a young defender primarily signed as a centre-back—has been starting ahead of García at right-back. That's a pretty clear indication of where García stands in the pecking order.

What makes this situation particularly intriguing is what García brings to the table. His game is built on strong crossing ability and solid tackling—areas where he puts up impressive numbers. He adds real attacking dynamism from the right-back position and can even slot in as a right winger when needed, giving managers tactical flexibility. But there are concerns too. His concentration levels and aerial duels have been questioned, and those weaknesses explain why Emery has kept him on the sidelines for key Premier League matches.

The bottom line? Aston Villa are holding onto a talented player while giving him virtually no meaningful playing time. For a 23-year-old eager to develop and prove himself, that's a tough spot to be in. For Valencia, it's an opportunity to finally solve their right-back problem. And for Emery? He's got a decision to make—keep a player who isn't getting minutes, or let him go and strengthen a La Liga rival.