Aston Villa could see the end of an era if multiple key players depart this summer.placeholder image
Aston Villa could see the end of an era if multiple key players depart this summer. | Getty Images
Aston Villa will have some tough transfer decisions to make this summer
Aston Villa are targeting a return to the Champions League this season and will hope to see through their goal after spending the majority of the season in the top four.
Unai Emery’s side had such a strong run of form throughout the autumn and winter that they were even touted as outsiders in the title race, but fixture congestion, injuries and their more limited squad in comparison with rivals has seen the focus shift simply to securing a top five place – assuming that is how many Champions League spots English sides are given – with seven matches left in which to seal their fate.
Regardless of how the season ends up on the pitch, there is a growing sense that this summer could be one of change at Villa Park. Much of the same key core of players have shone throughout Emery’s four-year reign – but this summer window could see things change if key players are sold by the club, with close to £200million to be made if reports are to be believed.
Star striker and World Champion amongst potential Aston Villa summer sales
One of the headline players who could be sold by Aston Villa this summer is striker Ollie Watkins, who has led the line admirably in six years at the club. His goalscoring numbers have dropped this term with just nine league goals, and this summer could be the time that club and player decide to part ways.
Recent reports by Football Insider suggested that Villa may be prepared to part ways with the 30-year-old for just £30m this summer and while his most likely destination has not yet become clear amid Newcastle links, there is no doubt that there would be many takers at that price. Watkins would take some replacing, of that there is no doubt – but this summer could be the time when the player bids a heartfelt goodbye to Villa Park.
The same can be said for Emiliano Martínez, who was linked heavily with an exit last year and may still be open to a new challenge this summer if reports are to be believed. The 33-year-old World Cup-winning goalkeeper is heading towards the twilight of his career and might ultimately spend this elsewhere, amidst recent Serie A links with the likes of Juventus.
Meanwhile, another long-serving Villan may depart in the shape of Leon Bailey. The winger has been at the club since 2021 but may not have a long-term future at Villa Park despite returning to the fold since he was recalled from a loan spell at Roma in January. Recent reports suggest that a permanent exit might be in the offing in the near future, with asking prices in the region of £15m-£20m a possibility for both Martinez and Bailey.
Midfield quartet could leave - but Villa will hope £100m man stays put
The biggest sale which Villa could make this summer – and the one which they will hope the most to avoid – concerns star man Morgan Rogers.
The 23-year-old has become somewhat of a talisman for the Villans this term and might see transfer interest intensify if the West Midlands club fail to qualify for the Champions League. While the club hierarchy will do all they can to avoid this eventuality, if PSR-related concerns force a sale then Rogers could demand an £100m fee which would equal the club-record amount for which they sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021.
Should Villa manage to hold onto Rogers, then another attacking midfield star might depart in his place in Emiliano Buendía. The Argentine has seen transfer interest from Leeds United reignite in recent days as per TEAMtalk, though such a move would rely upon the Whites staying in the top flight. An asking price of £20m was cited last summer, though Buendía’s impressive performances this term may have seen his value rise this time around.
In addition, Ross Barkley is set to see a one-year extension triggered onto his deal at Villa Park, but summer transfer interest persists. This may come from Frank Lampard’s Coventry City if they secure promotion to the Premier League, with Villa ‘open’ to a sale as per Caught Offside. Villa signed Barkley for a reported £5m from Luton Town in 2024 and would command a similarly small fee for his services this summer.
Finally, Villa might see the exits of three loan stars this summer – the most notable of these being Jadon Sancho, who is on a season-long loan at Villa Park which ends this June. The club are not expected to return with a bid to sign the 25-year-old permanently, and he could instead depart Manchester United on a free transfer and return for a third spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Continue Reading