NEWSB6

Aston Villa linked with move for Nacional centre-back Mauro Coronel

TEAMtalk claim the club are monitoring an 18-year-old Paraguayan defender whose contract expires in December.

By Up The Villa Newsroom23 September 2026

A view of a football pitch at a stadium in Paraguay

Aston Villa are among the clubs tracking Club Nacional centre-back Mauro Coronel, according to TEAMtalk. The 18-year-old Paraguay under-20 international has drawn attention from several Premier League sides during 2026, with Brighton & Hove Albion widely considered to be leading the pursuit.

Coronel’s contract with the Asunción-based club expires at the end of December, meaning he could be available on a free transfer once the Paraguayan domestic season finishes. TEAMtalk states that Nacional are determined to retain the teenager for the remainder of their campaign and that no formal offers have been accepted by club officials so far.

Standing at 6ft 2in, the defender has become a regular starter in the Primera División this year. Scouts have reportedly noted his aerial strength, composure on the ball and consistent defensive performances, prompting interest from additional English clubs as well as teams in Spain’s top flight.

Any switch to Europe would not take place until the January 2027 transfer window opens, given that the current window closed on 1 September. For now, Coronel is expected to continue playing senior football in Paraguay while negotiations develop in the background.

What we know

Single source: TEAMtalk, published today.
No fee mentioned; player's contract expires in December, suggesting a free transfer.
Brighton described as frontrunners; La Liga clubs also reportedly interested.
Villa have not commented on the report.