Aston Villa fans have, for so long, had to sit back and watch countless other teams in the Premier League claim trophies whilst they fall short at one of the final hurdles.
However, Unai Emery has written his name into the club’s history this campaign, after claiming Europa League glory over Freiburg in Istanbul - subsequently ending a 30-year trophy drought.
The Spaniard has instilled a winning mentality into the players and fans at Villa Park, something which was unthinkable during Steven Gerrard’s tenure in the West Midlands.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after winning the UEFA Europa League
The Villans are now constant challengers for a place within the Premier League’s top-four, but it’s crucial the hierarchy continue to push the club in the right direction.
The summer transfer window presents the board with the perfect opportunity to build on the Europa League title and make the club one of the continent's biggest forces.
£40m star now wants to join Aston Villa this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, Aston Villa have ramped up their interest in a number of top talents ahead of the opening of this summer’s transfer window.
Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara has emerged as one potential candidate, with Emery’s side even said to have made an offer for the Brazilian’s signature.
gabriel-sara-galatasaray
The player himself is said to want a move to the Premier League this window, but an agreement still needs to be reached with the Turkish club before a deal can be completed.
Sara isn’t the only player currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes another option being considered ahead of the summer.
According to journalist Matt Maher, the Villans are keen on a move to land the Englishman this window, after the Magpies failed to secure European football for 2026/27.
He also claims the player himself would be open to a move to Villa Park in the months ahead, with his family based in the Midlands after coming through the ranks at Leicester City.
Any deal would likely be an expensive one for Emery’s men this summer, as Eddie Howe’s side are said to be asking for £40m to offload the 28-year-old.
Why Barnes would be like a prime Jack Grealish for Villa
Over the years, Villa fans have been blessed by numerous top-level attacking talents - but very few have managed to emulate the levels produced by Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish for Aston Villa
The attacker was a product of the Bodymoor Heath youth setup, subsequently rising through the ranks and establishing himself as a fan-favourite given his impact on the pitch.
He racked up a total of 213 appearances for the Villans, scoring 32 times and registering 43 assists - even staying in the West Midlands and catapulting the side back to the Premier League after relegation.
Jack Grealish - Aston Villa record
Statistics
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Yellow cards
Red cards
Minutes played
His ability to operate centrally or off the left-hand side made him a huge asset to various managers, but the hierarchy were left with no choice but to cash in on his services in 2021.
Grealish would depart his boyhood club for Manchester City in a deal worth £100m, with such a figure being the record for an English player at the time.
Jack-Grealish
The aforementioned figure has allowed the hierarchy to take the club to the next level with shrewd additions - a category into which Barnes could fall this summer.
Like Grealish, he’s gained a reputation for thriving off the left-hand side of the pitch, often cutting inside onto his stronger right foot and finding the back of the net.
This season alone, the 28-year-old has netted 16 goals across all competitions - including six in the Champions League and demonstrating his ability to star at the top level of European football.
His underlying stats also demonstrate his quality within attacking areas of the pitch, with the £40m figure for his signature potentially being a bargain for Emery’s men.
Barnes, who’s been dubbed “unbelievable” by Jurgen Klopp, registered 1.3 chances created per 90 this term - highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his teammates along with goalscoring ability.
Barnes-1
Such a playstyle is extremely similar to that of Grealish, who often registered the most assists in the squad during his extended period in Villa’s senior ranks.
The Magpies star has also completed 23% of the crosses he’s attempted in 2025/26, highlighting his ability to put an end product to his mazy runs on Tyneside.
His 39% shot on target rate also reaffirms his incredible ability to trouble the opposition ‘keeper, with Barnes a player who can add a new dimension to Emery’s frontline.
Barnes
£40m would be a huge statement of intent from the Villa board, but it’s a deal that could add a proven Premier League and European talent to the senior ranks.
His similarity to Grealish is there for all to see, with the fans no doubt hoping that he can emulate his compatriot should any deal be agreed in the near future.
John-McGinn-Aston-Villa-Europa-League-Trophy Related
[He's like prime McGinn: Aston Villa submit bid to sign "phenomenal" £35m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/like-a-prime-mcginn-aston-villa-submit-bid-for-gabriel-sara/ "He's like prime McGinn: Aston Villa submit bid to sign "phenomenal" £35m star")
Aston Villa have wasted no time building on their Europa League success under Unai Emery.