The summer transfer window will open for Aston Villa next month
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Damian Vidagany, Sporting Director (L), Unai Emery, Manager (C) and Monchi, President of Football Operations
Damian Vidagany, Sporting Director (L), Unai Emery, Manager (C) and Monchi, President of Football Operations
(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa are preparing for another busy summer transfer window.
The club will look to generate funds to continue strengthening Unai Emery’s squad - a strategy that has served them well so far.
Last summer, Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby were both sold for nearly £100 million combined, before Jhon Duran was offloaded for £65 million plus add-ons.
Despite those big-money departures, Villa’s squad is stronger than ever, with at least two players competing for positions across the pitch.
But with more outgoings expected this summer, Villa will need to recruit wisely to provide Emery with a squad capable of competing in the Premier League, in domestic competitions, and in Europe once again.
How is the window shaping up?
Starting from the back, Villa have been scouting Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign in La Liga.
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Garcia has a release clause of around £25 million and has been tracked by a number of clubs, including Villa, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
Villa’s interest comes amid growing attention around Emi Martinez. The Argentina number one signed a new long-term contract with Villa last August, but he left the Villa Park pitch in tears after the final home game of the season against Tottenham on Friday night.
He already has an offer from the Saudi Pro League on the table, though reports claim that he is unwilling to leave European football just yet.
While a move to Saudi may seem unlikely, a transfer to a major European club appears more realistic - particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, where Argentina will look to defend their title in the USA.
According to TyC Sports, Martinez already has “two firm offers from major European teams.”
Robin Olsen, meanwhile, is expected to join Malmo on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.
In defence, Villa must replace Axel Disasi, who will return to Chelsea following his loan spell. If Villa opt not to pursue a permanent deal for Disasi, a new centre-back will be needed.
Enzo Boyomo of Osasuna has been on Villa’s radar for several months and could be targeted early in the summer window.
Like Garcia, Boyomo also has a reasonable release clause of £21 million, inserted when he signed with Osasuna last summer.
Osasuna sporting director Braulio Vázquez, who worked with Emery at Valencia between 2009 and 2012, revealed in November that he had been in contact with Emery regarding Boyomo.
Valencia's Cristian Mosquera is also on a long list of options that Villa will consider recruiting in the upcoming window.
Lucas Digne, one of Villa’s top earners, will enter the final 12 months of his contract at the end of the season, so a decision on his future will be required. If he departs, a new left-back would have to provide competition for Ian Maatsen.
Casemiro and Rosenborg's Sverre Nypan
Casemiro and Rosenborg's Sverre Nypan
In midfield, Villa are hopeful of securing the signing of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg after receiving positive signals from the teenage star.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City.
Nypan is considered one of the brightest prospects in Europe, and landing him would be a major coup for Villa.
Villa also hold a £40 million option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United after his loan spell, though the England international's huge wages could be a stumbling block.
Rashford is also keen to return to playing Champions League football, which Villa could still qualify for on the final weekend of the season.
Asensio, meanwhile, would also be among the club’s highest earners if he were to join permanently. Villa do not currently have an option to buy him from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, PSG are open to selling Asensio this summer, and Emery has publicly praised his importance in the number 10 role within his system.
Youri Tielemans is said to have admirers in Saudi Arabia, with talkSPORT claiming that they believe an offer of around £50 million would start a conversation.
Jacob Ramsey, a homegrown talent, remains of interest to Newcastle United, while Tottenham were chasing his signature before the June 30 accounting deadline last summer.
Like Martinez, Leon Bailey was also emotional in Villa's final home match of the campaign. It is expected that he will find a new club this summer, as he is available for transfer.
Ollie Watkins will be on the radar of a number of clubs in need of a new striker before next season, though a huge fee would be required for Villa to consider parting with their record Premier League scorer.
Morgan Rogers' suitors are growing rapidly, but Villa do not want to sell the forward.
According to reports in France, Villa are among a number of clubs who have made contact with Jonathan David's representatives about the prospect of joining the club this summer, along with Tottenham and other sides in Italy, such as Napoli and Juventus. However, it remains to be seen where David's preferred destination is.
Canadian international David, 25, is expected to be one of the most in-demand free agents on the continent this summer after five years in France with Lille, where he has established a reputation as a potent frontman. It's likely, though, that he'll command a substantial signing-on fee.
Villa have also been linked with Tyler Dibling, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze.
Do Villa need to sell?
If Villa want to keep building and adding quality to the squad, the answer is simple: yes.
Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit spending relative to a club’s revenue, so unless a club earns as much as the ‘big six,’ they are at a disadvantage.
Villa have managed their restrictions admirably so far, but the challenge will persist in the coming seasons.
Last year, Monchi emphasized the necessity of selling before buying and made it clear he’s not afraid to part with big players:
"We were not afraid to sell players, but we had to do it within a plan," Monchi said in August. "In my opinion, we need to sell players - City sell players, Arsenal sell players, Real Madrid and Barcelona sell players.
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We are not afraid to sell players. The most important thing is to have, one - a buyer, and two - a player to replace them."
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: Getty Images)
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