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Endrick | AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa have the opportunity to strengthen their squad with some signings in the January transfer window
Aston Villa missed out on the Champions League last season on the final day after losing away at Manchester United. They had to contend with getting into the Europa League instead. The Midlands outfit are currently juggling their European duties with Premier League football.
Unai Emery has been in charge at Villa Park since joining back in 2022 following spells with the likes of PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal. He has the opportunity to freshen up his ranks with some signings in the January transfer window. With that in mind, here is a look at how his strongest XI could look after this winter....
Aston Villa’s possible goalkeeper and defence in 2026
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been their number one over recent times. The ex-Arsenal man, who won the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022, has been with them since 2020 after arriving for £17 million. He was linked with Manchester United earlier this year but nothing materialised on that front in the end.
Right-back Matty Cash has operated up and down the flank of defence since his £16m switch from Nottingham Forest. On the other side, Emery’s side have been credited with an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Nathaniel Brown, as per Caught Offside, along with the likes of Manchester City, Newcstle United, Manchester United and Arsenal. Journalist Florian Plettenberg has said on X that is valuation is around £53million.
Aston Villa’s £12m swoop for Ezri Konsa from Brentford in 2019 has turned out to be a masterstroke. They are said to be keen on Galatasaray centre-back Wilfried Singo, according to Sabah. The defender secured a move to Turkey earlier this year for £26m from AS Monaco but his future in Istanbul is already up in the air.
Aston Villa’s possible midfield and attack in 2026
Aston Villa are said to be admirers of Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic along with West Ham and AC Milan, via Caught Offside. Milan Live have claimed that he could become available for just £9m. At that price, signing him would be an absolute no-brainer.
John McGinn cost just £2.75m from Hibernian in 2018 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has been a great servant to his current club over the last seven years. The Glasgow-born man helped them gain promotion from the Championship under Dean Smith in 2019.
Spanish news outlet Fichajes have reported that Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Real Sociedad winger Takefuso Kubo, who may be in the shop window for £26m. The 24-year-old would give them more competition and depth in attack. He has been playing his football in Spain since 2019.
Emery is also reportedly monitoring Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid, the Daily Star report. Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential suitor in the Brazilian who cost £52m. Elsewhere, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are two key men and will keep their place in the starting XI, assuming they aren’t sold on. They were acquired for £33m and an initial £8m respectively.
Aston Villa dream starting XI after January transfer window: Martinez, Cash, Singo, Konsa, Brown; Kovacic, McGinn; Kubo, Rogers, Endrick; Watkins
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