After finishing in the top five in the Premier League and winning the Europa League last season, Unai Emery will do well to herald such success at Aston Villa next term.
The Spaniard has transformed the Villans into a force to be reckoned with domestically and on the continent – but it is vital that the management continue to back him to lift the club up the ranks.
Big business is expected this window to try to strengthen the top ranks in key areas – especially after the departure of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers to Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.
Work has been done in recent weeks, with Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho arriving in the West Midlands – but the latter may struggle to find a place in Emery’s starting eleven.
So, how can Villa prepare for the season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion in a month’s time?
1
GK – Emi Martinez
The Argentine has also been strongly linked with a move to Juventus this summer, but the Villa faithful are hopeful the club can keep hold of their number one.
He could return to Villa Park next campaign having won the World Cup twice – which no doubt highlights his world-class quality between the sticks.
2
RB – Matty Cash
Matty Cash will be in his seventh campaign as an Aston Villa player, but this time he will return to Villa Park with a new haircut after undergoing a hair transplant in the summer.
The Pole will be sporting a new look in the early months of the campaign, but hopefully it won’t change his fortunes and affect his performance.
3
CB – Ezri Konsa
Another player who will make a late return to the senior team is Ezri Konsa, like Martinez, who has been playing in the ongoing World Cup for his national team.
The England international recently received a move to Premier League champions Arsenal, but Emery and Co will be determined to keep the 28-year-old beyond the summer window.
4
CB – Pau Torres
While the Spaniard may have struggled with injuries last season, there’s no denying that when he’s fit, he’s one of, if not, the team’s best defenders.
His partnership with Konsa in the heart of defense will be crucial for Emery if he is to bring more silverware to Villa Park during the 2026/27 campaign.
5
LB – Pervis Estupinan
The club’s first new additions this summer could come in the form of defender Pervis Estupinan – with the AC Milan defender already in talks to join the Villans.
Personal terms have been agreed with the Ecuadorian international, who is seen as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Lucas Digne this summer.
6
CDM – João Gomes
As previously mentioned, Villa have recently completed the £38m signing of midfielder Gomes from West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Brazilian has penned a contract with the Villans until the summer of 2031 and will no doubt provide Emery with much-needed cover at the heart of the club’s midfield.
7
CDM – João Palhinha
A second midfielder in this window could be Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha – who is expected to be on loan at Villa Park.
His previous loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season saw him catch the eye for his ability to win the ball – something Emery’s men will lack in the absence of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara.
8
RW – Ibrahim Mbaye
Although a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye is not yet close, the Senegal star has been linked as a possible target for Villa this summer.
The PSG winger, dubbed “the next Kylian Mbappé” by GOAL, could be available for around £40m, after netting at this summer’s World Cup.
A move for the youngster could see Garnacho settle on the bench, and Emery will no doubt want to spend such a big sum.
9
CAM – Johan Manzambi
Despite huge rumors about deals for Estupinan and Palhinha, Villa’s first signing of the summer has been confirmed, with Johan Manzambi arriving from Freiburg for a club record fee.
The Swiss player will be hoping to build on his impressive World Cup, after registering three goals and two assists despite playing for his nation only four times.
10
LW – John McGinn
After the English record £117m sale of Rogers this summer, Emery will undoubtedly need other players to step up – and who better than the Scotland international?
He is currently the team’s longest-serving player and has taken the belt in recent seasons – a role he will no doubt hold again next season.
