After securing a place in the Premier League’s top-five and winning the Europa League last season, Unai Emery will do well to trump such success at Aston Villa next term.
The Spaniard has transformed the Villans into a force to be reckoned with domestically and continentally – but it’s crucial the hierarchy continue to back him to take the club up a level.
Huge business is expected this window to try and bolster the senior ranks in key areas – especially after the departure of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers to Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.
Work has already been conducted in recent weeks, as Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho have arrived in the West Midlands – but the latter may struggle to find a place in Emery’s starting eleven.
So, how could Villa line up for the opening game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion in a month’s time?
1
GK – Emi Martinez
The Argentine has once again been strongly linked with a move to Juventus this summer, but the Villa faithful will be hoping the club can keep hold of their number one.
He could even return to Villa Park next campaign as a two-time World Cup winner – which undoubtedly highlights his world-class quality between the sticks.
2
RB – Matty Cash
Matty Cash will be lining up for his seventh campaign as an Aston Villa player, but this time he will return to Villa Park with a new hairline after a hair transplant over the summer.
The Polish international will be sporting a new look for the opening months of the campaign, but hopefully it won’t change his fortunes and have an effect on his performances.
3
CB – Ezri Konsa
Another player who will be returning late to the senior squad is Ezri Konsa, who, like Martinez, has been featuring at the ongoing World Cup for his national side.
The Englishman has recently been touted with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal, but Emery and Co will be confident of keeping the 28-year-old beyond the summer window.
4
CB – Pau Torres
Whilst the Spaniard may have had his issues with injuries last term, there’s no denying that when he’s fully fit, he’s one of, if not, the club’s best central defenders.
His partnership with Konsa at the heart of the defence will be crucial to Emery if he is to bring added silverware to Villa Park during the 2026/27 campaign.
5
LB – Pervis Estupinan
The first of the club’s new additions this summer could come in the form of left-back Pervis Estupinan – with the AC Milan full-back already in talks to join the Villans.
Personal terms have been agreed with the Ecuadorian international, who is seen as the perfect option to replace the outgoing Lucas Digne this summer.
6
CDM – João Gomes
As previously mentioned, Villa recently completed the £38m signing of midfielder Gomes from West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Brazilian penned a deal with the Villans until the summer of 2031 and will no doubt offer needed cover for Emery in the heart of the club’s midfield.
7
CDM – João Palhinha
The second holding midfield addition this window could come in the form of Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha – who’s been touted with a loan move to Villa Park.
His previous loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season saw him catch the eye with his ball-winning ability – something which Emery’s men will lack in the absence of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara.
8
RW – Ibrahim Mbaye
Whilst a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye currently isn’t close, the Senegalese star has been consistently mentioned as a key attacking target for Villa this summer.
The PSG winger, who’s been dubbed the “next Kylian Mbappé” by GOAL, could be available for around the £40m mark, after netting at the ongoing World Cup this summer.
A move for the youngster could see Garnacho have to settle for a place on the bench, with Emery no doubt going to want to utilise such a big-money addition.
9
CAM – Johan Manzambi
Despite huge rumours around deals for Estupinan and Palhinha, Villa’s first summer deal has been confirmed, with Johan Manzambi arriving from Freiburg for a club-record fee.
The Swiss international will be hoping to build on his own impressive World Cup, after registering three goals and two assists despite featuring just four times for his nation.
10
LW – John McGinn
After the English-record £117m sale of Rogers this summer, Emery will undoubtedly need other players to step up to the plate – and who better than the Scottish international?
He’s currently the club’s longest-serving player and has taken the armband in recent seasons – a role which he will no doubt assume once again next term.
