Aston Villa have completed the signing of Senegalese defender Modou Keba Cissé from Austrian side LASK in a deal worth €5 million, though the 19-year-old will continue to play for the Linz-based club on loan throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The agreement, officially announced by both clubs on Saturday, sees Cissé put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Premier League side.
Despite immediate speculation linking him with a move to France, the promising centre-back will instead take his next career step in England, joining Villa as part of the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.
Cissé, a product of the Be Sport Academy in Senegal, has impressed since his arrival at LASK, making 15 first-team appearances to date.
His performances caught the eye of several European clubs, particularly in France, but it was Aston Villa who moved decisively to secure his signature.
While the young defender will remain in Austria for one more season to continue his development, the €5 million transfer fee reflects Aston Villa’s confidence in his potential.
The fee also places Cissé as the second most expensive player in LASK’s history, behind only Keito Nakamura, who was sold to Stade de Reims for €12 million.
In a joint statement published on social media, both clubs expressed their satisfaction with the deal. LASK highlighted the significance of the transfer for their development-focused approach, while Aston Villa emphasised their excitement about Cissé’s future role at the club.
The teenager’s journey has been rapid. After emerging through the ranks at Be Sport Academy, he transitioned to European football with LASK, quickly adapting to the Austrian Bundesliga.
His strength, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have been widely praised by analysts and scouts alike.
Despite his age and relative inexperience at the top level, Cissé has already demonstrated leadership qualities and tactical discipline that make him a valuable asset in central defence.
His physical attributes, combined with a calm demeanour, suggest he could adapt well to the demands of English football.
Aston Villa, under their current recruitment model, have increasingly focused on securing promising young players before they break through on the international stage.
The acquisition of Cissé aligns with that strategy, aiming to build a competitive squad that balances youthful promise with established talent.
Cissé is expected to continue gaining vital first-team experience with LASK during the upcoming season, playing a key role in their domestic and potential European campaigns.
Once his loan spell concludes, he will join Villa in Birmingham in the summer of 2026.
This latest move marks another step in Aston Villa’s evolving approach in the transfer market, blending investment in youth with a commitment to long-term squad development. For Cissé, it represents a significant milestone in a career that many observers believe is just beginning to take flight.
Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Modou Kéba Cissé from LASK on a pre-contract agreement.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 19, 2025
