The latest football transfer news brings two major developments involving Aston Villa and AS Monaco. Villa have reached a verbal agreement to sign Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid, while Paul Pogba’s difficult spell at Monaco could be approaching an early end.
Aston Villa’s proposed Ruggeri deal is worth a reported €25 million plus €1.5 million in add-ons, with the player having accepted the move. Pogba, meanwhile, is in discussions over potentially terminating his Monaco contract by mutual agreement following another injury setback.
Here is what we know about both developing transfer stories.
Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa: Verbal Agreement Reached
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid.
According to the latest reports, the clubs have reached a verbal agreement on a package worth €25m plus €1.5m in potential bonuses. Ruggeri has also agreed to the move, leaving the clubs to complete the formal stages of the transfer.
The 24-year-old Italian left-back could travel for his medical and contract signing once the necessary documentation is approved.
If completed on the reported terms, the total package could reach €26.5 million.
Matteo Ruggeri Aston Villa Transfer Details
| Transfer Detail | Latest Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Matteo Ruggeri |
| From | Atletico Madrid |
| To | Aston Villa |
| Position | Left-back |
| Age | 24 |
| Reported Fixed Fee | €25m |
| Reported Add-ons | €1.5m |
| Maximum Package | €26.5m |
| Player Agreement | Reportedly accepted |
| Current Status | Verbal agreement; formal steps to follow |
The important distinction is that the move has not yet been announced as a completed transfer. A verbal agreement represents major progress, but medical examinations, contracts and formal club documentation still have to be completed.
Why Are Aston Villa Signing Matteo Ruggeri?
Ruggeri would strengthen Aston Villa’s options on the left side of defence as the club continues shaping its squad.
The Italian moved from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid before now emerging as a target for Villa. At 24, he also arrives at an age where Aston Villa could potentially benefit from his immediate first-team experience while still having room for further development.
The Premier League would represent another major step in Ruggeri’s career.
Villa appear sufficiently convinced to commit a substantial fee, with the reported agreement potentially reaching €26.5m if all bonuses are activated.
Is Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa a Done Deal?
Not quite.
The deal appears to be close, but supporters should distinguish between a transfer agreement and an officially completed signing.
Reports indicate that Villa and Atletico have agreed the financial package and Ruggeri has accepted the move. His medical, contract signing and other formal procedures are expected to follow.
Barring a late problem, those developments put Aston Villa in a strong position to complete the transfer.
Paul Pogba Could Leave AS Monaco
While Ruggeri prepares for a potential new beginning in England, Paul Pogba could soon be searching for another club.
Monaco and Pogba are discussing the possibility of terminating his contract by mutual agreement following a hugely frustrating period for the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder.
The 33-year-old suffered another injury during Monaco’s pre-season preparations in England, with reports identifying it as a hamstring problem. Crucially, however, discussions about potentially ending his contract reportedly began before the latest injury.
A termination would therefore require an agreement between Pogba and Monaco rather than simply being an automatic consequence of his latest setback.
Pogba’s Monaco Comeback Has Not Gone to Plan
Pogba joined Monaco on a free transfer in June 2025, signing a two-year deal as he attempted to rebuild his career in France.
It represented an intriguing opportunity.
The 2018 World Cup winner was returning to competitive football following his doping suspension and years of injury disruption.
Unfortunately, his physical problems continued.
Earlier in 2026, Pogba was removed from Monaco’s Champions League squad while continuing his rehabilitation. At that stage, injuries had severely limited his competitive involvement.
The situation remained uncertain heading into the summer. Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro subsequently opened the door to a possible departure depending on how Pogba’s pre-season developed.
Now another injury has further complicated the midfielder’s attempted comeback.
Will Paul Pogba Become a Free Agent?
Pogba could become a free agent, but the termination has not yet been finalized.
Current reporting says Monaco and the player’s representatives are discussing an early end to his contract. If both parties agree and the contract is formally terminated, Pogba would then be available to negotiate with another club as a free agent.
That distinction matters.
At present, it is more accurate to say Pogba faces a possible Monaco exit rather than that he has already left the club.
The final outcome depends on negotiations between the player and Monaco.
What Next for Paul Pogba?
If Pogba does become a free agent, his next destination would immediately become one of the transfer market’s most intriguing questions.
There has rarely been much doubt over the midfielder’s natural talent. His career includes spells with Manchester United and Juventus as well as winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
The bigger question for any prospective club would be his availability.
His Monaco comeback was supposed to provide an opportunity to rebuild his career after a long absence, but recurring fitness setbacks have instead continued to restrict his playing time.
A new club considering Pogba would therefore have to weigh his experience and technical qualities against his recent availability.
For Pogba himself, the immediate priority is likely to be recovering from his latest injury before determining the next stage of his career.
Two Very Different Transfer Stories
The Ruggeri and Pogba developments represent opposite sides of the transfer market.
For Matteo Ruggeri, the story is about progression. A €25m-plus agreement could take the Italian defender from Atletico Madrid into the Premier League with Aston Villa.
For Paul Pogba, it is about uncertainty. A move to Monaco intended to revive his career could instead end prematurely after injuries once again interrupted his return to regular football.
One player appears close to opening a new chapter.
The other may soon have to decide where — or how — his next chapter begins.
FAQs
Is Matteo Ruggeri joining Aston Villa?
Aston Villa have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid for Ruggeri worth €25m plus €1.5m in add-ons. Ruggeri has also accepted the move, but formal procedures still need to be completed.
How much will Aston Villa pay for Matteo Ruggeri?
The reported fixed transfer fee is €25 million, with another €1.5 million in potential add-ons, taking the package to as much as €26.5m.
Has Paul Pogba left Monaco?
Not yet. Monaco and Pogba are reportedly discussing terminating his contract by mutual agreement. Until that process is completed, he remains a Monaco player.
Why could Monaco terminate Pogba’s contract?
Pogba’s comeback has been heavily disrupted by fitness problems, and he has now suffered another injury. However, reports indicate discussions about an early separation were already underway before the latest setback.
Will Pogba be a free agent?
If Pogba and Monaco agree to terminate his contract, he would be free to negotiate with another club. As of now, that outcome is under discussion rather than completed.
Final Takeaway
Aston Villa appear to be on the verge of adding Matteo Ruggeri to their squad after reaching a reported €25m plus €1.5m agreement with Atletico Madrid. The Italian has accepted the move, with the remaining formalities expected to follow.
For Paul Pogba, the picture is considerably less certain. Another injury has arrived as Monaco and his camp discuss potentially ending his contract early. Should a mutual termination be agreed, one of football’s most recognizable midfielders could return to the free-agent market.
