Football in 2026 has become hugely centred around money, with the Aston Villa supporters witnessing the importance of cash first-hand over the last few months.
The supporters of Unai Emery’s side have often voiced their displeasure with the ticket prices for their Europa League campaign - which could see the club secure another trophy in their cabinet.
A generation of supporters are in danger of missing out on witnessing a potential European title, but the hierarchy would no doubt justify the decision to keep prices where they are.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks on
The Villans have been close to breaking the Premier League’s PSR rules in recent years, with any funds generated from matchday revenue going towards boosting their financial standing.
However, despite the recent issues behind the scenes at Villa Park, the recruitment team have started to work their magic, with numerous players already appearing on their shortlist.
Aston Villa advancing deal to land Premier League star
Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa have been just one top-flight side touted with a potential move to land Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk this summer.
The Dutchman has been vital to Daniel Farke’s attempts to beat the drop this term, subsequently featuring in all but three games so far this campaign.
pascal-struijk-leeds-lucas-perri
However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old at present, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen on a deal this window.
Despite the interest in the defender, other Premier League players are also being considered, with Fulham star Harry Wilson another who’s constantly linked with a move to the West Midlands.
According to the Daily Mail, Emery’s side are pushing hard to land the Welsh international, who’s already registered 16 combined goals and assists this campaign.
The report also states that the likes of Everton and Leeds United are keen on the 29-year-old, but Villa are the side currently in the driving seat for his signature.
Fulham-Harry-Wilson
Any deal for the attacker would be a bargain this summer, with his contract at the Cottagers set to expire - which could see him move to Villa Park on a free transfer.
Why Wilson would be Emery’s best signing since Tielemans
Signing players from other Premier League clubs hasn’t been unfamiliar to Aston Villa in recent years, as seen with the deal to land Youri Tielemans from Leicester City in 2023.
The Belgian international has been a regular starter under Emery in recent years, subsequently making 123 appearances in his near three years in the West Midlands.
Youri-Tielemans
However, he’s been out of action for the past three months through injury, but the 28-year-old was handed his first start since January during Thursday’s win over Bologna.
Tielemans made an immediate impact upon his return to senior action, as he registered two assists and helped the Villans secure one foot into the Europa League semi-final.
There’s no doubt his free transfer will go down as one of the club’s best pieces of business in recent years, with the hierarchy having the opportunity to emulate such a move this summer.
As previously mentioned, Wilson is set to be available on a free transfer this window, with the Welshman able to follow in the Belgian’s footsteps at Villa Park.
Fulham's Harry Wilson in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Radu Dragusin
His goal and assist tally from this season certainly make for excellent reading, but his underlying stats also offer an added insight into why he would be a superb addition during the off-season.
The 29-year-old has created 1.3 chances per 90 this term, whilst achieving a cross success rate of 26% - a figure that places him in the top 20% of all players in the league.
Harry Wilson - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Passes completed
Chances created
Dribbles completed
Shot on target accuracy
Cross accuracy
Shots taken
Such figures could allow him to mirror Tielemans’ quality within attacking areas, with Wilson able to provide others with endless chances - just as the Belgian did on Thursday night.
He’s also completed 54% of the dribbles he’s attempted to date, whilst registering 1.1 shots on target per 90 - reaffirming his quality with the ball in attacking areas.
The Welsh international has been one of the division’s shining lights within the final third this season, with only five players registering more combined goals and assists.
Landing a player of his quality on a free transfer would be a phenomenal piece of business for Emery’s side, especially given his experience in England’s top-flight.
Fulham's Harry Wilson
The competition from the likes of Everton and Leeds could cause concern, but it’s crucial the hierarchy push on from their recent interest to secure a move for the winger.
Should he move to Villa Park this summer and get anywhere near the levels produced by Tielemans, it would be one of the club’s best pieces of business - doing so whilst maintaining their financial stability.
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