Aston Villa are right at that stage when it comes to professional football’s dream season, with Unai Emery set to unleash his magic once again in 2025/26.
The Spaniard led the Villains to fourth place in the Premier League, while also winning the Europa League, ending the club’s 44-year wait for a European trophy.
There is no denying that Emery has turned the team into one of England’s most feared teams, but now he is tasked with delivering trophies and success consistently.
Although his team already has a wealth of elite-level talent, it is vital that the 54-year-old’s weight class supports him with further additions to increase his chances of further success.
This summer transfer window presents a great opportunity for the board to build on their recent European victories and strengthen their push for a potential title challenge in the coming years.
Aston Villa bid £45m for European superstar
Recent success on the continent and domestically in 2025/26 will only increase the funds available to Villa during the upcoming summer transfer window.
West Ham United midfielder Matheus Fernandes has been identified as a transfer target, but the Villans could face stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.
The 21-year-old is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer following the Hammers’ relegation, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are still set to demand an £85m transfer fee for the youngster.
The attacking line-up could also be strengthened during the off-season, with Como forward Martin Baturina also being linked as a transfer candidate.
According to Sport Witness’ Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa recently made a bid of 50 million euros (approximately 4.5 billion yen) for the Croatian international, who has scored a total of 12 goals and assisted in all competitions.
According to reports, the offer has been rejected by the Italian side, with Cesc Fabregas’ side potentially demanding up to £69 million for the 23-year-old.
It is unclear whether Emery’s side will return with a second offer for the attacking midfielder, but their latest offers clearly indicate they intend to spend big ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Why Baturina is the best Grealish player for Villa
Villa’s recent rise to the Premier League and European stardom would not have been possible without the influence of Jack Grealish. There are multiple reasons for this.
The English player was a key part of the Villains side that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19, and helped them maintain their top-flight performance a year later.
He scored 17 goals and provided 18 assists in his first two years in the Premier League, often playing on the left wing of the attack or in the number 10 position.
Jack Grealish – Aston Villa records | |
|---|---|
statistics | tally |
games played | 213 |
Number of points scored | 32 |
assist | 43 |
yellow card | 29 |
red card | 2 |
Play time (minutes) | 15338 |
However, the 30-year-old will move to Manchester City in 2021 in a then-record £100m deal in England, a move seen as a real turning point for the club.
That kind of money has been shrewdly invested in the first-team squad, enabling the success that has followed in recent months under Emery.
His skills have won the hearts of all West Midlands supporters and Baturina is hoping to do the same with his summer transfer.
The Croatian has a very similar style of play to Grealish and has the ability to subsequently become a star on the left side of the attack or within the central areas.
His stats in recent seasons in Serie A have highlighted his incredible talent and his potential addition would undoubtedly provide Emery with the extra quality he is looking for this summer.
Described by talent scout Antonio Mango as “one of the best playmakers”, Baturina created an impressive 3.6 chances per 90 in Italy’s top flight.
The aforementioned tally ranks him within the top 3% of all midfielders in Serie A, highlighting his great ability to create chances around him.
His 40% crossing accuracy is another sign of his incredible quality within the forward area, ranking him within the top 3% of attackers in his division.
Baturina’s 54% dribble success rate highlights the similarities with Grealish, with both players able to easily weave through their opponents with great success.
Although no deal has yet been agreed for the 23-year-old, the latest offer is a big statement of intent from Villa, who are looking for more glory in the near future.
Croatian international Baturina has all the tools needed to emulate Grealish’s success in the West Midlands and would be a sensational addition if the two sides reach an agreement.
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