Aston Villa still have three weeks left to finalise their summer transfer dealings as they prepare for another demanding Champions League season under manager Unai Emery. The club’s momentum has been strong, having secured a top-five finish last term and celebrated their first major trophy in 30 years with a Europa League triumph in May.
This summer, the squad has already undergone significant changes. Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans departed for Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, while Lucas Digne is set to join Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Andres Garcia has moved on loan to Getafe, and a deal for Leon Bailey to Hull City is expected to be completed soon.
Evann Guessand, who returned from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, may head back on loan, potentially alongside Bailey. Their departures would create opportunities and budget space to bring in fresh attacking options, a priority as Villa prepare for the challenges ahead.
New signings so far include Alejandro Garnacho on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, Johan Manzambi who became the club’s record signing at £52 million, and Joao Gomes, who joined from Wolves for £35 million and has impressed in pre-season.
Despite these additions, Villa are keen to enhance their attacking options further. Rising interest has been reported in Real Madrid’s Endrick, who could operate as a striker or right winger, providing Emery with versatility and quality in the final third. BirminghamLive has learned that Villa are monitoring his situation closely as the transfer window approaches its final fortnight.
Defensively, a new left-back is anticipated soon, with Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid reportedly set to join the squad. Additionally, Villa are considering strengthening the right-back position, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham a potential target. Adding Wan-Bissaka would introduce competition for Matty Cash and help manage the right wing-back role, especially given Cash’s history of occasional injuries.
In midfield, Villa are in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding Joao Palhinha’s signing, which would compensate for Amadou Onana’s long-term absence following his ACL injury at the World Cup. Palhinha’s arrival would deepen the midfield options and potentially ease the playing load on standout performer Boubacar Kamara.
As for squad departures, Villa aim to retain key defenders Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa amid summer interest. However, the futures of Lamare Bogarde and Tammy Abraham remain uncertain, with potential sales possibly bolstering the club’s budget but also presenting challenges for squad depth, particularly in attack.
With busy weeks ahead, Aston Villa’s summer transfer activity reflects their ambition to build a competitive squad capable of tackling both domestic and European commitments with renewed strength and quality.