Aston Villa face a pivotal few weeks in the transfer window but are just a few deals away from having a dream squad at their disposal. Unai Emery squeezed the maximum out of his squad last season by winning the Europa League and finishing fourth in the Premier League.
A rebuild was necessary even before the eye-catching £117m sale of Morgan Rogers and the arguably more important loss of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. Emery has kept the same core of players throughout his time at Villa but supporters are set to watch a team with a refreshed identity.
New Faces in Key Roles
World Cup star Johan Manzambi will take Rogers’ place as Villa’s No.10, sitting further forward than £35m arrival Joao Gomes, who will form a more combative midfield duo with Boubacar Kamara. Out wide, Emery will hope to bring the best out of Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho after finally landing the 22-year-old ahead of a possible £43m move.
A new left-back is also required after Lucas Digne joined Paris Saint-Germain, with the Villans also having targets in multiple other positions. Meanwhile, several of Villa’s key players have been linked with moves away. Here is a look at a dream scenario of how Villa’s transfer window could end by deadline day on September 1.
Endrick and Three Other Targets
In a dream world, Villa should be able to seal a loan move for Endrick, despite recent reports in Spain that the Real Madrid superstar is set to stay with Los Blancos. The 20-year-old scored and assisted eight goals apiece in 21 games for Lyon last term and Villa could offer Endrick a chance to prove his worth in the Premier League. However, despite Villa’s need to add another attacking option, Endrick would not face an easy path into the team on the right flank ahead of captain John McGinn, who continues to improve under Emery.
Endrick’s arrival would also be based on Leon Bailey sealing a move away from Villa Park, having been in protracted talks over a switch to Hull City. Evann Guessand has already returned to Crystal Palace on loan.
At left-back, Villa are closing in on a £17million move for Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri, with the 24-year-old set to take Digne’s place in the squad. The former Atalanta star will compete with Ian Maatsen, giving Villa enviable depth on the left flank.
Midfield target Joao Palhinha ranked second in the Premier League for total tackles during his Spurs loan spell, just ahead of £35m new signing Gomes. Villa’s director of football has confirmed the club are in talks with Bayern Munich over Palhinha, who would ideally join on loan to replace the injured Amadou Onana.
Cover for Matty Cash at right-back is another priority and the club have been linked with West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka. While some fans have called for 20-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic to be given opportunities, recruiting Wan-Bissaka would give Villa experienced cover in both full-back areas.
Meanwhile, Villa have been linked with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who played under Emery at Villarreal, but should shelve plans to bring in the forward for two reasons. Firstly, UEFA rules dictate that any permanent move within 45 days of Morgan Rogers’ exit could be classed as a swap deal, impacting Villa’s profit.
Secondly, despite BirminghamLive reporting that Tammy Abraham has an uncertain future at Villa Park, the arrival of another striker would potentially block Brian Madjo’s pathway. The 17-year-old sensation scored against PSG in the Super Cup and could be set for a breakthrough campaign.
Key Trio to Stay
While Villa have had to deal with high-profile departures this summer, a dream window would see the Villans keep the remaining nucleus of Emery’s successful team. In a season where nine clubs are beginning the campaign with new managers, consistency could help Villa stay ahead of their rivals.
Following his emotional farewells last year, Emi Martinez winning the Europa League could have symbolised a natural end to his time at the club. However, despite interest from Juventus, Villa would ideally keep their beloved ‘world’s number one’ and benefit from his continuity between the sticks.
Ezri Konsa would also remain a Villa player. The 28-year-old is improving season upon season and the Villans are right to not budge on their reported £60m asking price, which is significantly more than Arsenal’s valuation.
Ollie Watkins is another who has been touted for a move but Villa would be unable to replace his contributions to the team. Even during a frustrating campaign where he struggled for full fitness, the 30-year-old ended with 21 goals in all competitions and is the perfect forward to lead Emery’s side and could also form a new-look attack alongside Endrick.
