Unai Emery finished in the Premier League’s top five and won the Europa League last season, and will look to surpass that success at Aston Villa next season.
The Spaniard has turned the Villains into a force to be reckoned with both domestically and on the continent. However, it is important that the hierarchy continues to support him if he is to take the club to the next level.
Huge business is expected in this period as they look to strengthen their senior team in key areas, especially after the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rodgers to Manchester United and Chelsea respectively.
Work has already been done in recent weeks with the arrival of Joao Gomez and Alejandro Garnacho in the West Midlands, although the latter may struggle to break into Emery’s starting XI.
So how can Villa line up for the season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion in a month’s time?
1
GK – Emi Martinez
The Argentine has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus again this summer, but Villa fans will be hoping the club can maintain their number one spot.
He could even return to Villa Park next season as a two-time World Cup winner, which undoubtedly highlights his world-class quality between the sticks.
2
RB – Matty Cash
Matty Cash will be playing his seventh season as an Aston Villa player, but this time he will return to Villa Park with a new hairline after undergoing a hair transplant in the summer.
The Poland international will wear a new look for the first few months of the campaign, but he hopes it won’t change his fortunes or affect his performances.
3
CB – Ezri Konsa
Another player whose return to the first team has been delayed is Ezri Konsa, who like Martínez is also playing for his national team at the ongoing World Cup.
The English player has recently been linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal, but Emery and his colleagues will be confident of retaining the 28-year-old beyond the summer.
4
CB – Pau Torres
The Spaniard may have had injury problems last season, but there is no denying that he is one of the club’s best central defenders, if not fully fit.
His partnership with Konsa at the heart of the defense will be crucial if Emery is to bring further silverware to Villa Park during the 2026-27 season.
5
LB – Pervis Estupinan
The first of the club’s new signings this summer could be left-back Pervis Estupinan, with the AC Milan full-back already in talks to join the Villains.
He has agreed personal terms with the Ecuadorian international and is seen as the perfect choice to replace Lucas Digne, who leaves this summer.
6
CDM – Joan Gomez
As mentioned above, Villa recently completed the signing of midfielder Gomez from West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers for £38m.
The Brazilian is under contract with the Villains until the summer of 2031 and will undoubtedly provide Emery with much-needed cover in the heart of the club’s midfield.
7
CDM – Joan Parinha
A second addition to the midfield this term could come in the form of Bayern Munich star Joao Parinha. He has been linked with a loan move to Villa Park.
His ball-winning ability attracted attention when he was loaned to Tottenham Hotspur last season, but Emery’s side lack that in the absence of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara.
8
RW – Ibrahim Mbaye
No deal has been finalized for Ibrahim Mbaye at the moment, but the Senegalese star has been consistently mentioned as a key target in Villa’s attack this summer.
The PSG winger, described by GOAL as ‘the next Kylian Mbappe’, could be available for around £40 million after scoring at this summer’s World Cup.
With the youngster’s signing, Garnacho may have to settle for a place on the bench, and Emery will no doubt want to take advantage of such a big-money addition.
9
CAM – Johan Manzambi
Despite huge rumors regarding the signing of Estupinan and Parinha, Villa’s first summer signing has been confirmed, with Johan Manzambi joining from Freiburg for the club’s biggest ever fee.
The Swiss international will be hoping to build on his impressive World Cup run, in which he scored three goals and provided two assists despite only making four international appearances.
10
LW – John McGinn
After selling Rodgers this summer for England’s record-breaking £117m, Emery will no doubt need other players to step up. And who could be better than the Scottish international?
He is currently the club’s longest-serving player and has been wearing the armband for the past few seasons, but will no doubt continue in that role next season.
