It’s been a turbulent summer at Aston Villa. Preparations for the 2025/26 season have been overshadowed by uncertainty, financial constraints, and lingering frustration — leaving a cloud of doubt hanging over Villa Park.
Unai Emery has overseen a remarkable rise since taking charge, but with resources stretched to breaking point, there are growing concerns momentum could stall — or even unravel. Still, not all is bleak. Key men Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, who’ve attracted serious interest from Europe’s elite, appear set to remain in claret and blue, while there’s still hope of one or two smart signings before the market shuts.
With the transfer window down to its final fortnight, Emery faces a delicate balancing act. The goalless draw with Newcastle on opening day highlighted the urgent need for reinforcements, but every move must be carefully calculated under the restrictions of PSR.
Here, Mirror Football breaks down the priorities Emery must nail to re-energise Villa’s season, dispel the uncertainty, and reignite their European charge — with eyes firmly on reclaiming their place among the continent’s top clubs.
Seal the Asensio Deal
Villa are closing in on a permanent move for PSG’s Marco Asensio — and at just £13m, it could prove a shrewd piece of business. The 29-year-old Spaniard thrived during his loan spell at Villa Park last season, scoring eight and assisting once. Having already gelled with most of the squad, he would slot back in seamlessly.
Personal terms are already agreed, with Asensio eager to move on after being frozen out under Luis Enrique. His experience, versatility, and pedigree at Real Madrid make him an ideal addition to Emery’s fluid attacking setup. The £40m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle has provided the funds to push this through without breaching financial limits.
Competition from clubs like Benfica and Fenerbahce has faded, leaving Villa with a clear path. Finalising this deal would boost squad morale and send a strong signal of ambition.
Secure Tielemans’ Future
Locking down Youri Tielemans on a new contract should also be near the top of Villa’s agenda. With his current deal running until 2027, talks over an extension are expected to begin soon. Tielemans has rediscovered his form under Emery, becoming one of the best-value free transfers in recent memory, and his market value now hovers around £33m.
Tying him down would fend off potential suitors and reward his influence in midfield alongside captain John McGinn. It would also reaffirm Villa’s commitment to building around proven performers rather than scrambling for replacements in future windows.
Balance the Books
Villa’s battle with PSR means player sales are still on the cards. Jacob Ramsey’s big-money exit has eased the pressure, but more departures could follow. Leon Bailey is attracting interest from Roma, with a loan-and-buy option being the most realistic scenario.
Emi Martinez’s name continues to circulate in the rumour mill. While his wages are significant, keeping hold of him also saves the headache of finding a world-class replacement. Meanwhile, Leander Dendoncker is in talks with Real Oviedo, a move expected to ease the wage bill rather than bring in a fee.
Hold Firm on Rogers
Perhaps the biggest non-negotiable for Villa is Morgan Rogers. The forward has caught the attention of Chelsea, who balked at Villa’s £100m valuation, but Emery cannot afford to lose such a dynamic attacking outlet. Rogers’ energy, creativity, and potential make him irreplaceable at this stage.
Though he extended his deal in November, Villa are preparing improved terms to reflect his growing importance. Keeping Rogers is about more than finances — it’s about ensuring Villa’s forward momentum isn’t derailed.
Leave a Reply