Aston Villa Completes the Signing of Saša Lukić from Fulham in a Stunning Midfield Reinforcement
In a significant move that has captured the attention of Premier League fans and pundits alike, Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of Serbian midfielder Saša Lukić from Fulham FC. The 28-year-old joins the Villans in a deal reportedly worth £18 million, as Unai Emery continues to reshape his squad ahead of a demanding season that includes both Premier League and European football.
The Move: A Statement of Intent
Aston Villa’s acquisition of Lukić is being interpreted as a strong statement of ambition. With the club’s return to European competition, Emery has made no secret of his desire to add depth, experience, and versatility to his midfield. Lukić, who was a key figure for Fulham last season, offers just that. Known for his tactical intelligence, calmness under pressure, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Lukić will add a new dimension to Villa’s midfield.
Villa’s Sporting Director Monchi, instrumental in securing the deal, described Lukić as “a player of immense maturity, with the qualities we need to compete on multiple fronts.” The Serbian international has signed a four-year contract that will keep him at Villa Park until 2029, with the option of a one-year extension.
Lukić’s Rise: From Belgrade to the Premier League
Saša Lukić began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents in Serbia. His performances earned him a move to Torino in Serie A, where he spent five productive seasons, becoming a regular starter and eventually the club’s vice-captain.
In January 2023, he made the switch to the Premier League with Fulham, where his calm demeanor and effective distribution made him a standout performer under Marco Silva. Despite Fulham’s mid-table finish last season, Lukić’s consistency did not go unnoticed, with Villa now winning the race for his signature.
Unai Emery’s Vision and Tactical Fit
Unai Emery has been a long-time admirer of Lukić. The Spanish tactician values midfielders who can adapt to multiple roles — from a deep-lying playmaker to a box-to-box presence. Lukić fits the bill perfectly. His ability to transition defense into attack, combined with his defensive awareness and technical ability, makes him a prime candidate to partner Douglas Luiz or rotate with Boubacar Kamara in Villa’s midfield engine room.
Sources close to the club reveal that Emery intends to deploy Lukić in a hybrid role, allowing him to sit deep during build-up phases while also advancing to link up with the attacking quartet when needed.
Reaction from Fans and Experts
The news of Lukić’s arrival has been met with excitement from the Villa faithful. On social media, fans have praised the club’s transfer strategy, applauding the mix of youth and experience being assembled at Villa Park. Football analysts have also reacted positively, pointing out that Lukić’s experience in both Serie A and the Premier League could prove invaluable in tight, high-pressure matches.
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks commented:
> “Villa have made a smart signing. Saša Lukić isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable, technically gifted, and incredibly disciplined. A real Emery-style player.”
Lukić’s First Words as a Villan
In his first official interview with the club, Lukić expressed his excitement:
> “It’s an honor to join a club with such a rich history and ambition. I’ve watched how Aston Villa has grown under Unai Emery, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey. I’m here to help the team win and to give everything for the fans.”
He also mentioned that conversations with fellow Serbian international Nikola Milenković, who previously played under Emery at Sevilla, helped influence his decision, praising the coach’s methods and reputation.
Implications for Fulham
While Fulham fans will be disappointed to see Lukić leave after just one full season, the club is said to have received a solid fee that will be reinvested in bolstering their midfield. Manager Marco Silva has acknowledged the loss but thanked Lukić for his professionalism and contributions during his time at Craven Cottage.
Looking Ahead
Aston Villa are expected to introduce Lukić to fans during a pre-season fixture scheduled next month. His debut could come in a high-profile friendly against Spanish side Villarreal, offering fans a first glimpse of how he will be integrated into Emery’s system.
With European nights returning to Villa Park and expectations higher than ever, Saša Lukić’s arrival could be the difference between a respectable campaign and a truly special season.
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