Aston Villa have Ajax manager Francesco Farioli at the top of their list if Unai Emery were to leave at any point in the near future.
That’s according to journalist Valentijn Driessen, who made a surprising revelation to De Telegraaf’s Kick-Off podcast, which has been [relayed by Soccer News.](https://www.soccernews.nl/news/farioli-in-beeld-bij-engelse-champions-league-club/)
Farioli is currently impressing in the Netherlands, having led Ajax back to the top of the table and on course for a title that few would have predicted at the beginning of the season given the mess he inherited.
It’s only enhanced a burgeoning reputation in the game, and it seems has not gone unnoticed, particularly by Aston Villa.
“I have heard that if Emery leaves Aston Villa, that Farioli is number one on the list. I have heard that,” Driessen revealed when discussing the Ajax boss.
Soccer News then add that Villa will ‘go all out’ to get Farioli were Emery to leave, although the prospect of that happening is slim at this moment in time.
They then add in that Ajax know keeping Farioli would be a difficult task, with Director of Football Affairs Marijn Beuker telling Goedemorgen Eredivisie on Sunday that he knows Ajax have a ‘place in the pyramid’ and it’s hard to keep well performing players or coaches because of that.
That means a departure cannot be ruled out for Farioli, although he also insisted that there’s a good chance he’ll be Ajax manager next season.
Any move to Villa Park would be dependent on Emery leaving and that’s unlikely, but he’s a name to keep an eye on, nonetheless, and it’s wise for Aston Villa to have options in place.