Aston Villa enter the new season undergoing a major squad transformation under manager Unai Emery following the departures of key players. Barely two months after one of the greatest nights in their history, supporters face anger and confusion as important figures leave and more outgoings are expected. Under Emery, Villa have finished seventh, fourth, sixth and fourth in the Premier League. They have qualified for the Champions League twice, won the Europa League and will play Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday.
UEFA financial rules have placed heavy restrictions on Villa while appearing to favor revenue-generating clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. As a result, Emery finds himself without midfielder Youri Tielemans and winger Morgan Rogers after they joined Manchester United and Chelsea respectively for a combined £152million. Left back Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain, while centre back Ezri Konsa is targeted by Arsenal and monitored by Liverpool.
Despite the squad changes, positive factors remain for the club. Emery remains at Villa as one of the best coaches in the league. Champions League football will boost revenue, while plans to expand the capacity of Villa Park to 50,000 are moving forward to deliver improved long-term transfer resources.
Potential Outgoings and Transfer Interest
England defender Ezri Konsa, aged 28, is at the peak of his market value and represents a main transfer target for Arsenal alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior. Guimaraes is due to sign for £75million this week, while Vinicius is set to stay at Real Madrid. Arsenal are pushing for Konsa to cover injuries to William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Ben White. Arsenal's initial offer was believed to be little more than half of Villa's £60million valuation, which displeased co-owner Nassef Sawiris, but the Villa squad are increasingly resigned to losing him.
Interest also continues in striker Ollie Watkins from clubs in the Turkish top flight and the Saudi Pro League. However, letting Watkins leave would be a risky move with so many experienced squad members already gone. Watkins turns 31 in December, has been Villa's top scorer in every season since joining in 2020, and is their leading all-time Premier League marksman.
In contrast, striker Tammy Abraham could depart after an unsuccessful return. Emery and club officials pushed hard to sign Abraham for £18.2million from Besiktas in January, but after only four starts, Villa are prepared to let him go on a permanent basis. Midfielder Ross Barkley was previously available for transfer, but with Tielemans gone and Amadou Onana recovering from ACL damage, Barkley will not be sold unless Villa sign midfield replacements.
Incomings and Midfield Targets
Villa face complications with incoming signings due to fitness issues and market demands. Club-record £54million signing Johan Manzambi is unavailable because of a knee injury sustained playing for Switzerland at the World Cup. Midfielder Joao Gomes has made a promising start after joining for £38million from Wolves, but more strength is required in central midfield. Portugal international Joao Palhinha remains a target, although Bayern Munich prefer a permanent sale.
With Lucas Digne set to depart, Villa require a new left back. Terms are all but agreed on a deal worth about £15million for Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. On the wing, Alejandro Garnacho has joined on loan from Chelsea, while Marseille winger Igor Paixao is on Emery's radar. Villa have observed several wingers this summer, including Ibrahim Mbaye, Harvey Barnes and Crysencio Summerville, who subsequently joined Al Hilal for £68million. Villa's strong relationship with Chelsea helped finalize the Garnacho loan.
Striker Search and UEFA Transfer Rules
Finding a reliable forward to complement and eventually succeed Ollie Watkins has been a long-standing task under Emery. Jhon Duran possessed talent but lacked temperament, while Donyell Malen performed reasonably well before his departure to Roma in January was forced by UEFA financial rules. Abraham's second spell at the club has not delivered the desired impact.
Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson is another target, although Villa are currently playing down interest. Emery has admired Jackson since working with him at Villarreal, and Villa maintain good relations with Chelsea. However, UEFA regulations state that permanent transfers between the same clubs within a 45-day period are treated as swaps to prevent financial balance sheet manipulation. The final day of the transfer window falls 41 days after Chelsea announced their signing of Rogers, creating potential complications for a deal.
Season Outlook and Management Structure
Villa squad members want high-level additions to match the summer exits, while 20-year-old Manzambi is unlikely to be fit for the Premier League opener at Brighton on August 23 or the early part of the season. Following Brighton, Villa host Arsenal on August 31, travel to Hull on September 5, host North Forest on September 12, and visit Tottenham on September 19.
The squad required a refresh after most players remained together throughout Emery's four-year tenure. While Emery preferred not to lose key dressing room figures Tielemans and Digne, he rarely blocks players who wish to leave. Transfer chief Roberto Olabe replaced Monchi last September and is navigating his first summer window. Olabe is methodical and calm, providing a counterbalance to Emery and director of football Damian Vidagany.
Villa previously overcame a slow start last season when they failed to score until September 16 and waited until September 25 for their first win. They subsequently won 12 out of 13 league matches to finish fourth. While early struggles are not a reason to panic, the extensive squad changes mean supporters will be watching closely as August progresses.
