How Aston Villa could line-up next season based on the latest transfer rumours
Aston Villa are preparing for one of their most important transfer windows in recent history as they look to maintain their trajectory under Unai Emery while navigating their way through the trials and tribulations of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
The Villans only missed out on the Champions League on goal difference with a sixth placed finish and still treated their fans to plenty of lifelong memories in the 2024/25 season as the club defeated the likes of Bayern Munich, Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain in one-off matches while also reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League and the semi-final of the FA Cup. However, if reports are to be believed the club will have to sell at least one major first team asset before 30 June to comply with the Premier League rules and avoid any potential sanctions.
It could lead to a quieter than usual transfer window in the West Midlands, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of stars such as Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Martinez and Jacob Ramsey among others.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t still be some shrewd arrivals through the door at Villa Park, in what could potentially be an exciting new lineup next term. With that in mind, based on recent rumours we take a look at how Aston Villa could line-up in the 2025/26 season.
Aston Villa replace Emi Martinez with Chelsea wonderkid
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez fuelled speculation surrounding his long-term future when he was seen bidding farewell to the Villa Park faithful in tears at the end of the club’s final home game against Tottenham.It’s widely reported the Argentine international could depart for a big fee after five incredible years in the West Midlands, leading to reports that a replacement could be signed.
One potential name being considered by Unai Emery is thought to be Chelsea goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic. He spent the last campaign on loan in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg under the guidance of Liam Rosenior and enjoyed a stellar campaign with the French outfit. John Obi Mikel once labelled him as Chelsea’s next Petr Cech, but with the Blues showing intent to sign Mike Maignan while also having Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen and Kepa Kepa Arrizabalaga on the books it is suspected they could cash in on the Serbian international.
Elsewhere, at left-back Lucas Digne is once again expected to battle it out with Ian Maatsen for a starting spot alongside a familiar centre back duo of Ezi Konsa and Pau Torres. At right-back, however, Unai Emery could look for a long-term successor to Matty Cash, with reports suggesting that Raoul Bellanova of Atalanta could be a potential target after contributing nine assists for the Bergamo-based outfit last term.
Marco Asensio makes loan move permanent
Aston Villa are expected to retain the services of the ever-reliable Youri Tielemans despite reports of interest from a number of Saudi Pro League sides. It’s also suspected the Belgium will play alongside Boubacar Kamara in a tried and tested midfield pairing. The Villans are also understood to have held talks over signing Asensio permanently from Paris Saint-Germain following a successful six-month loan spell. The three-time Champions League winner is entering the final 12 months of his PSG contract and will be available for a bargain price. The same, however, cannot be said about Marcus Rashford, who is expected to be on the move once again despite enjoying a strong loan spell at Villa. His projected wage demands of around £300,00 are thought to be the main stumbling block in that particular deal becoming permanent.
Jacob Ramsey could depart this summer amid interest from a variety of Premier League clubs. However, Villa fans will be most desperate to keep hold of Young Player of the Season nominee Morgan Rogers, who was in sensational form on the right wing last term. Ollie Watkins is also thought to be likely to lead the line again for Villa after becoming the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer last term. Arsenal had been linked in January but appear to be turning their attention towards Benjamin Sesko.
On the left wing, Villa have been linked with a loan move for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, after Chelsea turned down the opportunity to make the move a permanent due to an issue involving wage demands. Sun Sportsuggests this one is likely to be a straight loan deal with Villa paying some of the wages, but Spurs are also showing similar interest.
Full Aston Villa XI: Petrovic, Digne, Konsa, Torres, Bellanova, Tielemans, Kamara, Asensio, Sancho, Rogers, Watkins.
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