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Aston Villa could face a battle to keep hold of their head coach down the line after his eye-catching work
Aston Villa turned to Unai Emery as their manager back in 2022 following their decision to part ways with Steven Gerrard. Their decision to bring in the Spaniard has turned out to be a masterstroke. Prior to his move to Villa Park, he had spells at Almeria, Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal.
He was recently asked about links to Madrid but simply said he had “nothing to say about it.”
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s contract situation amid Real Madrid links
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery penned a five-year deal back in 2024 meaning he is tied down until 2029. That means there is no pressure regarding his future and they were well protected. He has done an eye-catching job though so interest from some of Europe’s elite is inevitable.
They were in a relegation battle when he first arrived and he managed to keep them up at the first time of asking. His side have since consistently battled in the top half of the table. He guided them into the Europa Conference League first before they qualified for the Champions League in 2023.
Despite missing out on the top four last term, Aston Villa look well on their way to getting back into Europe’s top competition again this year. They have been battling it out with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the division in this campaign against the odds. Emery’s men are also having to juggle their domestic duties with Europa League football at this moment in time too.
What now for Unai Emery at Aston Villa?
Aston Villa will be hoping to keep hold of Emery for as long as possible amid links to Real Madrid. It would be a massive blow to lose him. However, it may be hard for him to turn down a move to the Santiago Bernabeu if Real came calling.
After signing his latest extension, Emery said at the time: “I am very happy to take this step and the responsibility of leading this club. Since I came to Villa with Wes (Edens) and Nassef (Sawiris) we found always the best environment and structure to develop a project with the highest ambition.
“All the football structure with Monchi and Damian (Vidagany) and the owners, we share the same vision and same goals. There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa. And the element of the fans’ support also makes the difference to feel like home. We are really excited to continue this journey with no limits to our dreams.”
Chairman Nassef Sawiris added: “We are building something special here at Aston Villa with Unai at its core and we are delighted that he has signed a new deal with the club until 2029. As we move into our historic, 150th anniversary year, there is a lot to look forward to with Unai at the helm.”
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