BirminghamLive round-up tasks for pre-season as Aston Villa prepare for the new campaign
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa’s preparations for the new season began on Monday morning as the first group of players returned to Bodymoor Heath.
Among those back in training were Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, Andres Garcia, Joe Gauci, Alex Moreno, Lamare Bogarde, and Tyrone Mings.
Players who featured in last month’s international fixtures are expected to join their teammates next week.
Villa will play eight pre-season friendlies this summer, starting with a match against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium next Wednesday.
Here, BirminghamLive takes a look at what a perfect pre-season would look like for the club…
Martinez's future decided
Emi Martinez’s future has dominated headlines since the transfer window opened.
Ever since the goalkeeper shed tears during Villa’s final home game of last season against Tottenham, questions over his long-term commitment to the club have intensified.
Despite signing a long-term contract last August, Martinez is now understood to be open to a new chapter in his career.
If he does leave, he would do so as arguably the greatest goalkeeper in Villa’s history - a World Cup winner and the recipient of several individual accolades that place him among the best in his position.
At 33 years old this summer and as one of the squad's highest earners, Villa might prefer to cash in now rather than see his market value decline.
Whether he stays or goes, Villa will want his future resolved soon so they can move forward with securing a replacement.
Given that the club has agreed to reduce its wage bill by around 20% over this summer and next, a major sale is expected - and Martinez could be that sale.
If, however, he chooses to remain, Villa will need to raise funds elsewhere.
Crucially, the club has emphasised that it will not entertain a fire sale, despite being sanctioned by UEFA for breaching financial regulations.
New signings needed
Villa need to sign at least one goalkeeper following Robin Olsen’s departure to Malmö on a free transfer. Should Martinez also leave, two keepers will need to be brought in.
The club must also replace at least two of the three loanees who arrived in the winter window.
They are targeting several right-sided centre-backs to provide competition for Ezri Konsa after missing out on Lutsharel Geertruida last summer.
A new right-back is also on the wishlist, and attacking reinforcements will be required with both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio returning to their parent clubs.
Leon Bailey is expected to leave this summer, making a new winger a top priority.
Ollie Watkins’ only real competition up front would be Donyell Malen, leaving Unai Emery light in options behind the striker. While Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Youri Tielemans can all play wide or in the No.10 role, squad depth remains an issue.
Emery wants two quality players for every position. With potential departures like Martinez, Bailey, and Lucas Digne - another high earner - Villa could end up recruiting as many as five new players this window.
Kamara contract yet to be signed
Perhaps the most important piece of business Villa could complete this summer would be tying Boubacar Kamara down to a new deal.
Talks over an extension began in April, but the midfielder has yet to commit. With two years left on his current contract, this summer is a pivotal time.
From a financial standpoint, it’s the last realistic opportunity to cash in - but Villa are hopeful of convincing him to stay long-term.
At 25, Kamara is approaching the prime of his career and will be eager to return to the Champions League after tasting it last season.
Had Villa secured a spot in Europe’s top competition again, perhaps an extension would already be signed.
Villa still have two realistic routes back into the Champions League - via league position or by winning the Europa League, as Tottenham did last season.
A perfect pre-season would include Kamara committing his future to the club. Entering the new campaign with uncertainty around a key player is far from ideal.