Aston Villa’s rise in the Premier League over the last couple of years has been nothing short of remarkable, with Unai Emery deserving huge credit for his work in the West Midlands.
The Spaniard has taken the Villans from a mid-table outfit to consistent challengers for the European spots - as seen by their ability to secure a top-seven finish in each of the last four seasons.
His achievements at Villa Park have been made even greater when delving into the club’s transfer business - which has often seen key players sold to balance the books.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the match
The likes of Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran have all been sold since the summer of 2024 alone, which only makes his achievements in recent seasons all the more remarkable.
However, Emery will have to work his magic once again this summer, especially after the news of one key player departing the club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
How Aston Villa will cope without Youri Tielemans
Villa fans will have been shocked and disappointed earlier this week, after it was confirmed Youri Tielemans would be departing the club after three years in the West Midlands.
Fellow Premier League side Manchester United triggered his £35m release clause within his contract, leaving Emery’s side with no choice but to cash in on his services.
Youri-Tielemans
Losing a player of the Belgian’s calibre will be a bitter blow for the Villans, but how do you go about replacing a player who was as influential as the 29-year-old?
The Villa midfield department has been an area of concern even before Tielemans’ departure, with Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara both out until at least the start of 2027 through knee injuries.
Most minutes played for Villa CMs in the PL (2025/26)
Player
Youri Tielemans
Amadou Onana
Boubacar Kamara
Lamare Bogarde
Victor Lindelof
Douglas Luiz
Ross Barkley
Luiz spent the second half of last season back on loan at Villa Park, but won’t be returning after it was confirmed the option to buy in the Brazilian’s contract won’t be triggered.
As a result, the only fit and senior central midfield options currently at the manager’s disposal are Victor Lindelof and Lamare Bogarde - two players who started just 22 league games between them last term.
There’s no denying Emery’s men desperately need to delve into the transfer market to try and land added options - especially if the club are to be competitive on all fronts in 2026/27.
How Aston Villa could replace Tielemans
Despite Tielemans’ departure only being confirmed yesterday afternoon, Villa have already done due diligence on a number of potential additions ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Freiburg star Johan Manzambi is one player who could be set to join the Villans after a deal was agreed with the German outfit for the Swiss international’s signature.
Switzerland's Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring their second goal
A fee in the region of €60m (£52m) has been mooted for the 20-year-old, but the hierarchy are showing no signs of slowing down over the last few days.
It’s been reported by Sporx via Sport Witness that Emery’s side are preparing a €30m (£25m) bid to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer.
The report states Villa are set to make the aforementioned offer before the end of the week, but it’s unclear if the Turkish outfit would entertain such an offer for the 27-year-old.
It’s not the first time the Brazilian has been linked with a move to Villa Park, with Sara a player who is evidently highly thought of by staff behind the scenes in the West Midlands.
His stats from the recent campaign in Turkey highlight his quality, which could also perfectly allow Emery to land his next version of the recently departed Belgian.
The 27-year-old Galatasaray midfielder has created a staggering 2.7 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.4 of which being categorised as big chances created.
gabriel-sara-galatasaray
Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe this term, subsequently matching Tielemans in being able to constantly provide opportunities for those around him.
Sara has also completed 2.4 crosses per 90 in 2025/26 - a tally higher than 98% of players in his position and further reaffirming his incredible ability in possession.
Without the ball this term, the former Norwich City talent has been just as influential, as seen by his 56% ground duels won tally and 3.6 ball recoveries made per 90.
The aforementioned tallies are also higher than those produced by Tielemans - which could hand Villa a more all-round option at the heart of the side for next season and beyond.
Galatasaray's Gabriel Sara shots at goal Andreas Hillergren
£25m would be an excellent deal for Villa this summer, as the club would be getting themselves a player who can perfectly fill the void left by the Belgian international.
Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by the 29-year-old in the West Midlands, there’s no reason why Sara can’t become the latest player to capture the hearts of the Villa faithful.
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He's enjoyed an excellent tournament.