Last season was Aston Villa’s finest since their European Cup triumph in 1982. They added a second continental honour by winning the Europa League, although their fourth-place Premier League finish would have earned them a Champions League place regardless.
Villa endured a dreadful opening, failing to win any of their first five league matches. Yet by Christmas, they briefly appeared capable of joining the title race. After such a remarkable campaign, the inevitable question is what comes next.
The outlook is probably more uncertain now than it seemed during the celebrations in Istanbul in May. Even a few weeks ago, it was fair to wonder whether that success represented an isolated peak, the ceiling of Villa’s ambitions, or the beginning of something greater. Any successful side can become complacent, especially one unaccustomed to winning trophies, and remain overly attached to the people who delivered that long-awaited achievement.
That instinct is easy to understand. Every transfer involves uncertainty, so why alter a formula that has already succeeded? Why move on players who have earned the club’s appreciation? Villa, however, have chosen not to stand still.
Three important players – Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa – have departed. Emí Martínez is expected to follow, while Ollie Watkins could also leave. This is neither a fire sale nor an attempt to cash in at the earliest opportunity, although events have probably not unfolded exactly as planned. The departures reflect both an acceptance that some players are ready for a new challenge and a desire to maximise their value to refresh the squad. The concern is that Villa may be making too many changes in too little time.
The turnover extends beyond the squad. Two physiotherapists and the head of the medical department joined Arsenal, technical assistant Jaime Arias Galán departed, and individual development coach Rodri moved to Como. More notably, Unai Emery lost assistant Pako Ayestarán, while set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee joined Chelsea. Backroom changes are common and difficult for outsiders to evaluate, but this collection of exits adds to the atmosphere of transition and uncertainty.
There is still a clear rationale behind the changes to the playing group. Rogers, now 24, spent two and a half seasons at Villa and scored 14 times in all competitions in each of his final two campaigns, often producing memorable finishes. His tightly angled third goal in the Europa League final secured his place in supporters’ affections, but he wanted the higher wages and supposedly greater opportunities available at Chelsea – a move that carries its own risk.
When a player is determined to leave, preventing the move rarely benefits anyone. A prolonged dispute like Alexander Isak’s situation at Newcastle serves no party well. Accepting the offer and reinvesting is usually the more sensible approach. Villa originally paid £15m for Rogers, so receiving £117m – even after Middlesbrough’s 20% share – is outstanding business.
Konsa is 28 and had two years remaining on his deal, making a £51m fee appear fair. Tielemans left after Manchester United activated his £35m release clause, leaving Villa powerless to stop the transfer. Since the 29-year-old Belgian arrived for nothing in the summer of 2023, the club can at least take comfort from earning a substantial return before his performances begin to decline. Losing elite players is never welcome, but intelligent trading is vital to rebuilding a squad, and Villa’s incoming business offers genuine cause for optimism.
Johan Manzambi is an exceptionally talented young attacking midfielder, while Zion Suzuki is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading young goalkeeping prospects. João Gomes has already demonstrated the aggression and determination he can add in midfield, and Matteo Ruggeri should improve the left-back position previously occupied by Lucas Digne. Alejandro Garnacho arrives on loan with considerable promise. The Argentinian winger’s ability is obvious, although he must display it more regularly. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also joined from relegated West Ham to provide dependable cover at right-back.
Villa have completed that work while maintaining a net surplus of £160m, before accounting for any fee they might receive if Watkins departs. Further additions are expected, including a defender to fill the gap left by Konsa. Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson would be a logical replacement for Watkins because of his ability to attack space behind opposing defences. The prospect of Jackson and Manzambi combining with Brian Madjo – the 17-year-old striker who impressed during the Uefa Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain – is particularly exciting.
Another central midfielder appears necessary, especially after Amadou Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the World Cup. Villa are also likely to recruit at least one, and perhaps two, additional creators: one capable of playing centrally and another suited to the left side.
The summer could therefore bring seven or eight significant new arrivals, which represents a huge amount of turnover. New players have not always found it easy to understand and implement Emery’s demands. The Spanish manager has suggested that “six or seven contenders” begin this season in a stronger position than Villa.
Managers regularly attempt to reduce expectations, and Villa’s extensive changes make Emery’s cautious approach understandable. His assessment may even prove correct. However, many rival teams have also experienced substantial upheaval this season, whereas Villa have at least preserved continuity in the dugout.
This may be an unavoidable phase in Villa’s evolution: an opportunity to renew the team and build financial resources before making another push towards the top. The move from Profitability and Sustainability Rules to a squad-cost-ratio system should also benefit the club. Even so, the ideal scenario would not have involved losing Rogers, Konsa and Tielemans in a single summer. Managing so much transformation at once carries considerable danger.
Nevertheless, this is a gamble with meaningful potential rewards. Simply celebrating last season’s achievements without attempting to progress would eventually have produced stagnation and decline. One chapter is closing and another is opening. The new project could fail, but with time, Emery’s rebuilt Villa may become even stronger than the team that delivered the club’s recent success.
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