Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed the club will have some room to maneuver in the January transfer window, despite operating with financial constraints. As the window opens this Thursday, Villa aims to strengthen their squad ahead of the season’s second half, having recently faced Arsenal.
The club is close to finalizing the signing of Brazilian winger Alysson and remains active in pursuing additional reinforcements to boost Emery’s squad. Last year, Villa generated nearly £100 million from player sales, including key departures like Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos, and Jaden Philogene, which has influenced their transfer resources.
Speaking before the Arsenal match, Emery emphasized the club’s alertness to opportunities and the possibility of further squad changes in the coming weeks. “We are alert. The club is working and if we can sign someone to help us and improve something we need, we will do it,” he said.
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Emery acknowledged that while the current players have performed well during the first four months, improvements are still possible. “Our mentality has been really important, how the players are taking responsibility, being mature and playing together with the energy we need,” he added.
Despite limited spending power, Emery confirmed there is flexibility to bring in new players or move others on. “We can sign players, only we can’t spend a lot. But we can do something, of course. Maybe as well changing someone,” he explained.
Reflecting on last January’s activity when Villa signed four players and let several others leave, Emery indicated a similar approach might be taken this time around. With Villa competing in the Europa League, Emery stressed the importance of being ambitious and aiming for a trophy. “We want to be a protagonist and hopefully a way for a trophy now,” he said.
He also noted a significant shift in the team’s standing compared to two months ago, reinforcing ambition to secure European qualification as a core objective. “When I signed here, my message was clear. I came here because I want to try and get a new opportunity in the Premier League and try to build this team being ambitious to fight for trophies, play in Europe consistently,” Emery concluded.
While Villa’s journey is challenging, Emery remains optimistic, emphasizing that maintaining their current position will require ongoing effort and strategic moves in the transfer market.