Aston Villa are gearing up for an active summer transfer window, with multiple key decisions expected to shape the squad ahead of a demanding season.
Last summer, the club saw Jacob Ramsey move to Newcastle United for £39 million, alongside several fringe players departing. In January, Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand also left the club.
To fill the gaps, Tammy Abraham joined to replace Malen, while Leon Bailey returned from a challenging loan spell at AS Roma. Douglas Luiz rejoined on loan, stepping in amid injuries to Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn.
During the summer, Villa secured Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on loan. However, Elliott featured sparingly as Emery favored Emi Buendia for more game time. Notably, Villa avoided a £35 million obligation to Liverpool for Elliott, who did not reach the threshold of 10 Premier League appearances.
Looking ahead, Sancho will likely need replacing, as could Bailey, who may leave this summer. Besides Bailey and the relatively inexperienced Alysson, Villa lack a natural winger. Players like Morgan Rogers, Buendia, and McGinn tend to fill wider roles but aren’t true wingers.
Securing a right winger is a priority, with a strong case to be made for adding both left and right wingers. Furthermore, Rogers' future remains uncertain; if the club accepts a substantial offer for the 23-year-old, Villa could bring in up to three forwards before the transfer window closes on August 31.
Competing in the Champions League, Emery recognizes the importance of squad depth in both quality and numbers.
At right-back, competition for Matty Cash is needed. Andrés García struggled for playing time last season, making just one league appearance before being substituted at halftime. If not sold, a loan would benefit García to ensure he gains regular football.
Therefore, signing a new right-back to challenge Cash and provide cover is essential.
In defense, Tyrone Mings’ status is under scrutiny. With only 12 months left on his contract and fresh off winning the Europa League, Mings may consider moving on to secure more regular minutes, despite remaining a club legend.
Villa’s Squad Cost Rules necessitate balancing the squad financially. Ian Maatsen presents a sellable asset who could generate funds without heavily weakening the starting lineup. Signed for £38.5 million from Chelsea in 2024, with Omari Kellyman moving the other way for £19 million, Maatsen has shown promise, though his full potential at Villa remains to be seen.
Another potential significant outgoing is goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who is attracting interest from Juventus. His departure would leave a considerable gap, making his replacement a challenging priority.
Overall, Aston Villa are likely to sign at least five players this summer, with that number potentially rising depending on the volume of departures.