Aston Villa have a fortnight left to complete their summer transfer business
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa started their new 2025/26 campaign with a goalless draw against Newcastle United and will be hoping to claim their first victory of the season this coming weekend.
Brentford, who lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, play host to Villa on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It will be the first home match for Keith Andrews, who was appointed as Thomas Frank’s successor earlier this summer.
Villa then host Crystal Palace the following weekend, a day before the transfer window shuts on Monday, September 1, at 7pm.
Here are some of the latest goings-on at Villa…
Villa players respond after Ramsey’s move
A number of Villa players took to social media to send well wishes to Jacob Ramsey after he completed his move to Newcastle United.
Villa sold the 24-year-old for £39 million, with a possible £5m in add-ons to follow.
Ramsey wrote on Instagram after his transfer was confirmed: “It’s impossible to put into words what playing for Aston Villa has meant to me. From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it.
"This club has been an extended family to me, and I’ve got memories for life – from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park, and scoring my first goals in those competitions.
"To everyone at Aston Villa, both at the academy and in the first team, thank you for your support, belief and guidance. You’ve helped me become the person and player I am today. I’ve played with some of the best and made friends for life.
"And finally to the fans – thank you for the love and backing. To represent you, as a boy from Birmingham, has been an absolute honour. Onto the next chapter now, but I wish you all nothing but the best in the future. Thank you for everything!! JJ.”
Underneath, several Villa players responded. Emi Martinez posted five crying emojis, while Leon Bailey wrote: “All the best my boy.” Matty Cash commented: “My brother. Will miss you bro.”
Youri Tielemans added: “All the best for the next chapter bro.” Lucas Digne and former Villa player Moussa Diaby both posted: “All the best bro.”
Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers shared a collage of photos of himself and Ramsey, captioned: “Gonna miss you partner. The place won’t be the same without you. Love you my brother.”
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Could Villa strike Chelsea deal?
Even after raising £40 million in pure profit from Ramsey’s sale, it is understood that another high-value signing - such as Evann Guessand, who joined in a deal worth up to £30 million - cannot currently be sanctioned by Villa.
Leon Bailey is edging closer to a season-long loan move to AS Roma, with the Italian club expected to include an option to buy.
Leander Dendoncker is set to join Real Oviedo on a free transfer, despite having just under a year left on his Villa contract.
Alex Moreno is another player Villa are looking to move on, with several Spanish clubs interested in the 32-year-old.
With these departures, Villa should have room to strengthen their squad, though their flexibility remains limited.
Sky Germany recently reported that Villa remain interested in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. However, as the club cannot loosen their purse strings to meet Chelsea’s asking price, a loan deal could make sense.
Such a move would allow Unai Emery to work with Jackson again, having previously coached him at Villarreal, while giving Villa a chance to evaluate him before committing to a permanent deal.
Chelsea are keen to move Jackson on this summer, but his high valuation has put off many suitors. A loan to Villa could suit all parties.
Tyrone Mings
Tyrone Mings
Mings: Everyone was trying to find their feet
In some ways, it doesn’t feel like Villa have properly started their league season, given the lack of talking points - and certainly goals - from their opener.
Ezri Konsa’s red card was the most notable moment, but there was no controversy about Craig Pawson’s decision.
Villa defender Tyrone Mings said a point was a fair result given the circumstances.
Newcastle were the better side in the first half, but Villa were on top when Konsa brought down Anthony Gordon.
“It was quite a tough game, especially in the second half,” Mings said. “We knew that Newcastle were going to be high energy, on the front foot, very fit and willing to press, so we had to be smart about how we played and how we tried to cause them problems.
“They committed a lot of people to the backline up against us defenders, so it was very difficult, but I think we can be proud of how we defended as well.
“At the end of the day, I think it was a fairly even game, and when we went down to 10 men, we were very happy with a point.”
Mings added: “Tweaking the game plan once you understand what the opposition are doing is best done at half-time, and that’s what we did.
“It was a tough first half, of course, because everybody’s also trying to find their feet in the first game of the season and get up to speed.
“But I thoroughly enjoyed the game and our performance. It was great to be back at Villa Park. We’ll look forward to the next one.”