Aston Villa are hoping to return to the Champions League next season.placeholder image
Aston Villa are hoping to return to the Champions League next season. | Getty Images
Unai Emery could still have a few summer deals in the pipeline ahead of the new season
Aston Villa were one of the most active clubs in the Premier League during the January transfer window but their failure to secure Champions League qualification in May has so far made it difficult for them to get deals over the line at the same rate this summer.
Unai Emery’s men finished sixth in the table, ensuring Europa League qualification but they have so far just £37m on new recruits, with the bulk of their cash being spent on the signing of Nice forward Evann Guessand. The 24-year-old scored 12 goals and registered eight league assists in France last term and is expected to provide competition to Ollie Watkins in the forward position while also offering extra excitement in the wide areas as well.
But can we expect to see further additions before the end of the window from Unai Emery and his team? Here based on recent rumours we take a look at the late deals Villa could secure and how they might line-up at the start of September as they look to regain their place in Europe’s elite competition in the 2025/26 season.
Goalkeeper and defence
GK: Emiliano Martinez: World Cup winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is suspended for Aston Villa’s opener against Newcastle United but should come back into the team on a regular basis after that clash. He’s a top-class shot-stopper and one of the best in the business and at this stage seems more likely to stay than leave despite Manchester United interest.
RB: Matty Cash: Polish international Matty Cash played 38 matches across all competitions and is expected to remain the starting right-back for Unai Emery’s team despite competition from January signing Andrés García.
CB: Ezri Konsa: England international Ezri Konsa is also expected to remain an ever present at the heart of the Aston Villa defence. He’s a solid all-round defender with excellent leadership and awareness. He’ll be pushing to start at the next World Cup.
CB: Pau Torres: The Spaniards return to fitness is likely to bring further stability to an Aston Villa team that only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.
LB: Ian Maatsen: Former Chelsea star Ian Maatsen had to be patient for first team minutes last year but is expected to be in a position where he can finally succeed Lucas Digne as the first choice left-back. Expect plenty of rotation in this area throughout the season though.
Midfield and attack
CM: Youri Tielemans: When fit and available Belgian international Youri Tielemans essentially played every game for Aston Villa last season due to his tireless work ethic and ability to control the midfield. He’ll be pivotal once again as he has always has been since arriving from Leicester City.
CM: Boubacar Kamara: The 24-year-old has just been rewarded with a new contract extension after a stellar campaign in the middle of the park. He’s likely to be a regular fixture once again.
CAM: Morgan Rogers: Whether it’s through the middle or out on the wing, Morgan Rogers is almost certain to be a key focal point for Aston Villa if they can fend off interest from other clubs. He enjoyed a sensational breakout campaign last year and will hope to hit new heights this term with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
LM: Donyell Malen: Netherlands international Donyell Malen wasn’t given a great deal of minutes to play after arriving from Borussia Dortmund. However, he’s likely to get more chances to shine after Villa’s decision to not make Marcus Rashford’s loan a permanent.
ST: Ollie Watkins: Much has been said about Ollie Watkins’ future at Villa Park this summer, but as it stands after Manchester United’s decision to sign Benjamin Sesko, it looks like the former Brentford man is here to stay. He’s the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer and a pivotal part of Unai Emery’s plans for the coming season.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, Saelemaekers, Malen, Watkins
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