There will be no shortage of free agents for Aston Villa to pursue ahead of the summer transfer window
Aston Villa are interested in signing Harry Wilson
Aston Villa are interested in signing Harry Wilson(Image: 2026 CameraSport)
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The summer transfer window will see a number of players leave their respective clubs as their contracts expire.
Aston Villa, a club known to be restricted in the transfer market, will be looking to bolster Unai Emery’s squad without paying transfer fees.
Of course, signing-on bonuses and agent fees mean that acquiring a free agent is by no means cheap. However, without a transfer fee, it provides an opportunity to strengthen the team on a budget.
Here are five players who Villa could target ahead of the opening of the summer window in a few months.
Harry Wilson
Harry Wilson is one player Villa are reportedly interested in signing on a free transfer, with Everton also linked to the Wales international.
Signed by Fulham for £12 million in 2022, the Liverpool academy product is expected to leave Craven Cottage at the end of the season.
He has enjoyed his best campaign in top-flight football, scoring 10 goals in all competitions and providing seven assists.
Villa are in need of more quality on the right wing, with Evann Guessand - who joined last summer - already on his way out after joining Crystal Palace on loan, with an obligation to buy under certain conditions.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has struggled to make a major impact since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United, but he will become a free agent this summer.
Having scored only once in 28 appearances across all competitions this season, Sancho has shown glimpses of his talent but lacks consistency.
Last month, Emery was asked about the possibility of bringing Sancho back to Villa Park on a free.
“He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here,” Emery said. “If he plays his best football, we will want him. But other teams could also be interested in him.
"This is football, and each match is important for every player’s and the club’s future, and for how we can achieve our objectives.”
Marcos Senesi
The Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth is highly sought after and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
Senesi joined Bournemouth from Feyenoord in August 2022 on a four-year deal. He has made 119 appearances for the Cherries over four seasons, attracting interest from several clubs.
Turning 29 in May, Senesi has played an underrated role in Andoni Iraola’s successful spell at Bournemouth. According to Marca, Villa are among the clubs interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer.
Oscar Mingueza
Oscar Mingueza, 26, was a target for Villa in January 2025 before Andres Garcia was signed instead, joining from Levante in a deal worth around £5 million.
Mingueza is now approaching the final months of his contract with Celta Vigo, where he has played since summer 2022.
He has made 133 appearances for Celta, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. The Spaniard’s versatility should appeal to Emery, as he can play right-back, left-back, or centre-back.
Julian Brandt
Last week, Lars Ricken confirmed that Julian Brandt would be leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
This news is likely to attract attention from several top clubs looking to sign the 29-year-old Germany international.
“There have already been a few reports. The fact is that there were open discussions, and it was agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended," Ricken said.
“He played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only be grateful to him. He played for us for seven years and was sometimes viewed critically.
"He will be 30 in a few weeks, and we can reorient ourselves, so it can also be an opportunity for both sides. We were ultimately in agreement.”