Aston Villa are bracing for another transformative summer as Unai Emery's side edge closer to securing a Champions League spot while aiming for Europa League glory. The Villans are determined to build a squad capable of regularly competing for silverware.
Emery's Masterclass and Recruitment Lessons
Unai Emery has worked wonders again, balancing domestic duties with European commitments—a feat often underappreciated outside Villa Park. That he has guided the club into Premier League contention is remarkable given recent recruitment missteps.
Last summer, Marco Bizot and Victor Lindelof arrived as solid squad players, while loanee Jadon Sancho showed glimpses. However, Evann Guessand and Harvey Elliott failed to make an impact. In January, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, and Tammy Abraham strengthened a threadbare squad, but only Abraham contributed significantly.
Villa aim to avoid past mistakes. Here, we outline an ideal summer window as Emery reshapes his squad for 2026/27.
Goalkeepers
Emiliano Martinez appeared set to leave last year after an emotional farewell, but his performances have mended ties with fans. Ideally, he would bow out with Europa League silverware before moving on. Finding a successor is tough, but Villa could replicate past strategy by signing Manchester City's James Trafford. The 23-year-old, signed for £27m, has been second-choice at City and seeks regular minutes. Marco Bizot remains a reliable deputy, with academy product James Wright as third choice.
Defenders
Villa boast strong centre-back options: Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, and Victor Lindelof. Younger alternatives may be needed later, but it's not a priority. At right-back, Matty Cash has excelled, but competition has been lacking. Villa could address this by signing Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer—a versatile full-back capable of playing both flanks. Andres Garcia would then go on loan. At left-back, Ian Maatsen should become first-choice, with Lucas Digne as backup.
Midfielders
Ideally, Villa keep all central midfielders. A fit Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara pair well, with Amadou Onana progressing. Lamare Bogarde has shown Premier League quality, Ross Barkley offers experience, and George Hemmings pushes for a role after a loan. Douglas Luiz returns to Juventus, and Harvey Elliott heads back to Liverpool.
Forwards
Captain John McGinn remains vital but will battle for a starting spot. Fulham's Harry Wilson, a free agent, is strongly linked and would provide right-wing or No.10 cover. Brazilian youngster Alysson continues to develop, while Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia depart. The dream window sees Morgan Rogers stay, competing with new recruit Jonathan Rowe from Bologna. Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, signed for £59m in January 2025, would be a headline signing—a quality forward ideal for the second striker role. Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham lead the attack, with youngster Brian Madjo on the fringes.
Proposed 25-Man Squad
- Goalkeepers: Trafford, Bizot, Wright
- Defenders: Cash, Mingueza, Konsa, Torres, Mings, Lindelof, Maatsen, Digne
- Midfielders: Tielemans, Kamara, Onana, Bogarde, Barkley
- Forwards: McGinn, Wilson, Rogers, Rowe, Alysson, Watkins, Abraham, Marmoush, Madjo
