Aston Villa are back in the Champions League next season after a fine campaign, and now Unai Emery is pushing to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.
The Villans claimed their spot in the tournament by finishing fourth in the Premier League, while they also ended a 30-year trophy drought to claim the Europa League, and now they are keen to bolster the squad further to continue their upward trajectory.
Funds are not unlimited, considering the financial situation that has been well documented at the club in recent years, but Emery has identified one star that he wants as part of his squad going forward.
Emery Pushing for Permanent Sancho Deal
Aston Villa's Jadon Sancho warms up.
UEFA Europa League - Aston Villa v BSC Young Boys - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - November 27, 2025 Aston Villa's Jadon Sancho during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Chris Radburn
According to Sports Boom, Unai Emery is pushing for Aston Villa to complete a deal to keep Jadon Sancho at the club permanently.
Sancho, who cost Man Utd £73m, is set to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer, despite the Red Devils holding the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months. The former England star has spent the two-and-a-half seasons out on loan, playing for Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and then Villa this season.
As a result, Emery is pushing Villa chiefs to complete a permanent move for the wide man after his successful stint at Villa Park this season, although any move may depend on Sancho lowering his wage demands.
However, it is understood that Sancho would love to stay at the club if an agreement can be found, as he seeks stability and regular first-team football once again.
Villa face competition for his signature, with several clubs in the Premier League and Europe keeping a close eye on his situation, but a return to Villa could be the perfect to tick those boxes.
Give Emery Anything He Wants
Unai Emery and Jadon Sancho during Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City
Emery has earned the right to do pretty much whatever he wants at Aston Villa, and the club chiefs would be crazy to deny him after the job he has done since arriving.
Ending their trophy drought could be the start of something amazing, and if Emery feels that Sancho is the type of player he wants to be able to call upon in certain games, and have around the dressing room throughout a season, then who is anyone to tell him otherwise?
Sancho wants to join, Emery wants him, and Villa are easily capable of getting a deal done to make it happen, so this feels like a no-brainer.
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