As the calendar turns to July, a significant moment unfolds for Aston Villa with seven important contract decisions on the horizon. While casual observers may see July as just the start of a new month, for football clubs it marks the beginning of the final contract year for several important players at Villa.
Yesterday, twelve players officially departed the club, primarily young professionals and former scholars, while Unai Emery’s core squad remains mostly intact. However, Villa must now focus on extending or renegotiating the contracts of six regulars and one fringe player whose deals are ticking down, including Europa League final hero Emiliano Buendia and long-serving defender Tyrone Mings.
Buendia represents the most complex and critical decision for the club. After a rocky period involving injury and a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, the Argentine attacker revived his Villa career spectacularly during the 2025/26 season. His return to form has sparked debate about his future at the club. Initially signed from Norwich City in 2021, Buendia’s contract was extended to retain his transfer value before his loan move in January 2025. Not only has he overcome a severe knee injury but he has also restored his standing with fans. Villa now face the classic dilemma of whether to follow emotion or pragmatism in deciding his fate.
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Another key player in contract discussions is Victor Lindelof. The Swedish defender, who will turn 32 this month, has impressed as both a centre-back and a central midfielder. His recent performances, particularly in the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, highlight his importance within Emery’s tactical setup. Lindelof’s consistent quality for both club and country positions him well for an extension.
In contrast, decisions on Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley are expected to be more straightforward. Bailey has struggled to recapture his best form since returning from a loan at Roma, with his current contract entering its final year after a February 2024 extension. Barkley, back at Villa since July 2024, has seen limited Premier League action with only ten starts and will be 33 in December, suggesting a likely wind-down of his role.
Goalkeepers Marco Bizot and Oliwier Zych also face uncertain futures. Bizot, who arrived in July 2025, may leave depending on the club’s plans, especially if first-choice keeper Emi Martinez departs. Zych, signed to an extension in December 2024 and loaned out to Raków Częstochowa last season, could be part of any restructuring in the goalkeeping ranks.
Finally, Tyrone Mings remains a vital albeit aging presence. Having extended his contract by one year last summer, Mings has completed over seven years with Villa and made 209 appearances. Despite fewer league starts last season, his recent run of games underscores his continued value, though at 34 in March 2027, the club must weigh up how much longer they can rely on the veteran defender.
Unai Emery and Aston Villa face tough but essential contract decisions in the coming months. Balancing the squad’s experience and future potential will be key to building on last season’s successes and preparing for the challenges ahead.