Unai Emery has been touted with an Aston Villa exit.
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Sun 1 June 2025 7:40, UK
Aston Villa have plenty of work to do this summer as they prepare for next season.
Villa will still be angry after Thomas Bramall’s mistake in their 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on the final day of the season (25 May), which saw them miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
As such, Unai Emery has had to readjust his transfer wishes accordingly, especially with Profit and Sustainability Rules issues looming large in the West Midlands.
Nonetheless, Villa already appear to be making headway with their transfer business.
Unai Emery
Emery has had to rejig his transfer list after a frustrating final-day loss to United (Credit: Imago)
Feyenoord’s Zepiqueno Redmond to undergo Villa medical
The sale of Jhon Duran left Ollie Watkins as the only recognised centre forward at Villa, with Emery resorting to using loanee Marcus Rashford as the lone striker to offer reprieve to his England colleague.
However, there is still a slot available for an understudy, and Villa have identified Feyenoord forward Redmond as the man to fill that slot.
Competitions Appearances Goals Minutes Played
Eredivise 4 – 158′
Champions League 2 – 79′
Youth Leagues (various) 20 5 1,321′
Redmond’s appearances across senior and youth football (2024/25)
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The striker has impressed this season, and as reported in the Daily Mail (31 May, page 107), is set for a medical at Villa Park ahead of joining on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old has flitted between youth and senior football this season, and despite his age and inexperience, played a role in the Dutch club’s Champions League games against both Milan clubs.
The Netherlands Under-19 international is highly rated, and according to ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – Villa will include the teenager in the playing squad right from the off.
“I don’t think Redmond will leave on loan,” King said.
“If he has been playing in the Feyenoord first team, I’m sure he will be included in the Aston Villa squad, and for the first six months, he will be in a position to prove his worth.
“However, if he is struggling to get a game, then maybe a loan will be lined up in the winter transfer window, but I don’t think he will leave on loan straightaway. This is a player for the future; he isn’t going to have a huge impact straightaway.”
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Redmond could learn from Watkins (Credit: Imago)
Champions League miss will mean Villa target more youth
Redmond’s impending arrival could be a sign of what’s to come for Emery’s side as the club must adapt their transfer strategy.
Villa will likely have to sell to buy, and will be less inclined to bring in high-earning, established players on more lucrative contracts.
The drop to the UEFA Europa League will not only affect their budget, but could dampen their pulling power for higher-profile stars.
Instead, they will need to widen their scouting network and focus on bringing in less proven youngsters, such as Redmond, and hope Emery can weave his magic in developing them.
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