Aston Villa have been linked with a shock move for Real Madrid forward Endrick as Unai Emery continues to reshape his squad. The Villans have previously had a stable side, but selling Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers means fans will be watching a new-look team next season.
Villa's Summer Reshuffle
Villa capped off their Europa League victory by finishing fourth in the league last term, though success also led clubs to target their key players. The further sale of left-back Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, plus Amadou Onana sustaining an injury at the World Cup, has forced Villa into a reshuffle.
Joao Gomes is expected to partner Boubacar Kamara in midfield after his £35m move from Wolves. In attack, Villa fans already have reasons to be hopeful after signing Johan Manzambi, who starred for Switzerland at the World Cup, as Rogers' replacement from Freiburg for an initial £52m. Meanwhile, Emery will be determined to help Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho fulfil his potential.
Endrick Loan Interest
Villa supporters' pre-season excitement has been ramped up by the club reportedly expressing interest in a loan move for Endrick, as the Real Madrid forward searches for regular minutes. Here is a look at how Villa's attack could line up, in the dream scenario that the Brazilian does arrive at Villa Park.
Endrick would ideally slot in on Villa's right flank, despite claims that the Brazil international is looking to be a starting striker. Spanish publication AS reports that the 20-year-old is listening to loan offers after finding himself down the pecking order at Los Blancos, both as a wide option and a centre-forward.
Endrick flourished as a winger during his recent Lyon loan spell, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 21 games. While his versatility could offer Emery another option up front, the Madrid star will also face fierce competition for his spot on the wing from club captain John McGinn. Whether at Endrick's expense or otherwise, few would bet against the skipper quickly forcing his way back into the team.
Manzambi and Garnacho
Johan Manzambi will take up the mantle of replacing Rogers, who joined Chelsea for an eye-watering £117m, in the attacking midfield role. The Switzerland international, who is currently out injured, faced many of his new team-mates in the Europa League final.
Villa beat Newcastle to a club-record deal for Manzambi, who scored three goals and registered two assists at the World Cup. The 20-year-old is highly rated across Europe and could be a potential coup for the club as they look to move on from Rogers.
Alejandro Garnacho is the latest marquee loan signing that Emery hopes can become a gem. The Villa boss previously helped Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio rediscover their best form during temporary spells at B6, but was unable to repeat the trick with Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho last term.
The Villans were interested in the winger before his unsuccessful move to Chelsea last year and the Argentina international arrives with a point to prove. Still only 22, Garnacho will have an opportunity to make the left wing his own, ahead of Emi Buendia, with a £43m permanent deal to be triggered if certain clauses are met.
Watkins Leads the Line
Ollie Watkins would give Villa's frontline some continuity, being supplied by a new trio of attacking players. Despite enduring a slightly frustrating season as he battled fitness issues, Watkins ended the campaign with an impressive 21 goals in all competitions.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away this summer but Villa would be unable to replicate Watkins' contributions, regardless of any fee they received. The England international will be backed up by Tammy Abraham and teenage prospect Brian Madjo, who has caught the eye during pre-season.
