On 12 January 2011, Lyon revealed via their official website that Makoun had travelled to England in order to discuss a possible move to Premier League club Aston Villa, managed by former Lyon boss Gérard Houllier. Three days later, on 15 January 2011, Aston Villa completed the signing of Makoun on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6.2m. On 21 January 2011, Villa and Makoun were handed international clearance and a work permit, with this announcement it was also revealed that he would take over the number 17 shirt from fellow West African Moustapha Salifou. After the move, Houllier says Makoun is additional signing for the club.