A generation of Aston Villa supporters have known nothing but hardship during their time supporting the football club, even if they spent several years in the Championship.
The Villans weren’t heading anywhere after their return to the Premier League, often finding themselves in relegation battles or mid-table obscurity.
However, the arrival of Unai Emery has brought new success to Villa Park, as seen in multiple top-six finishes since the Spaniard’s arrival in November 2022.
This season alone, his side are expected to finish in the Champions League once again, with a Europa League title firmly in their sights.
Regardless of what success they achieve between now and the end of the season, there is no doubt that the manager will be hungry for more reinforcements from the hierarchy this summer.
Aston Villa could accept £40m bid for Premier League star
In a bid to strengthen their position as top-five challengers, Villa have turned their attention to the possibility of signing proven Premier League talent ahead of the summer.
In recent weeks alone, Emery’s side have been linked with a move for Liverpool star Curtis Jones, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds star will be allowed to leave.
The 25-year-old has spent his entire career at Anfield, but he started just 13 league games across the 2025/26 season and could look elsewhere for more minutes.
Jones is not the only player currently on the shortlist for a trade to England, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford also being eyed as another option.
According to Football Insider, the Villans are very keen on signing the 23-year-old, who has become second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma in recent months.
The newspaper reports that Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to sign the youngster during this window, but could be forced to cash in on his contract if a £40m offer is made.
However, Emery’s side are not the only team currently keen on signing the English player, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in a possible move.
Why Trafford could be Aston Villa’s next Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has struggled in front of goal in recent months and questions have been asked about his long-term future at Villa Park.
But the 30-year-old has done well to silence his critics in recent weeks, with his goals leading Emery’s side to victories in a variety of important fixtures.
The England international scored a double in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Sunderland, taking his tally to 102 goals in 272 appearances for the club.
Watkins has also scored 15 goals in all competitions this term, the most of any player in the squad, further underscoring his importance to the West Midlands team.
It’s been almost six years since his £28 million move from Brentford and there’s no denying he’s proven he’s worth every penny, but a similar move could be repeated at Trafford this summer.
The Manchester City star may be operating in a different position to his compatriot, but he has followed in the footsteps of a striker who has made his mark in the Championship.
The shot-stopper kept a record-breaking 29 clean sheets in the second division last season and was hailed as “world class” by Scott Parker. City then came knocking by triggering the buy-back option in his contract with the Clarets.
However, although he has not been able to establish himself within Guardiola’s squad of late, he has previously shown that he is capable of developing in these areas if given the opportunity.
James Trafford – PL statistics (2023/24) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 28 |
clean sheet | 2 |
Number of goals conceded | 62 |
A save has been made | 3.8 |
save rate | 65% |
successful pass | 30 |
high bill | 1.1 |
Long ball completed | 6.5 |
During the 2023/24 season at Burnley, Trafford managed to produce some key players, many of whom stopped the Clarets from an embarrassing run in the top flight.
He kept two clean sheets during a relegation-hit season, but still posted an impressive 3.8 saves per 90 games, ranking him in the top 25% of all keepers in his division.
Trafford also scored a high 1.1 points per 90 in his first season at Turf Moor, demonstrating his great ability to command the area.
£40 million would be a big statement of intent for Villa, especially for a new goalkeeper, but it would give the club a top-flight shot-stopper for years to come.
It will certainly take him time to develop and shine in the West Midlands, but the sky is the limit for this youngster who is already showing glimpses of talent.
If he can approach the level Watkins produced at Villa Park, it would certainly be a signing that would take the club a step closer to the race for further success.
Worse than Mings vs Sunderland: Aston Villa star should not start again for Emery
Aston Villa secured a fantastic 4-3 win against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
