Managing Aston Villa as Unai Emery secures £46m worth of talent and fends off £100m move

Aston Villa have endured a difficult summer, with their preparations for the 2025/26 season marred by uncertainty, frustration and financial strain. Under the management of Unai Emery, Villa's trajectory has been unmistakably upward. However, with their resources stretched to the limit, there is a growing concern that their momentum could stall - or even reverse.

Yet, there are reasons for optimism. Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, both heavily pursued by some of Europe's top clubs, look set to remain in claret and blue. And one or two more signings could be made before the transfer window closes. With just a fortnight left of the transfer window, Emery faces a tricky balancing act. The need for reinforcements was visible in Saturday's opening day 0-0 draw against Newcastle, but given the club's precarious PSR position, any investment must be carefully considered. Here, we explore the key priorities Emery needs to address to kickstart Villa's season, lift the cloud of uncertainty and launch another bid for Europe - with an eye on regaining their place among the elite.

Get Asensio deal done

Villa are on the cusp of finalising a permanent deal for PSG star Marco Asensio - a move that could represent excellent value for money. The club are reportedly readying a £13million bid for the 29-year-old Spaniard. He shone during a loan spell at Villa Park in the second half of last season, registering eight goals and providing an assist.

It marks a smart, cut-price deal for a player who will already be familiar to his team-mates, having previously played alongside most of them. Personal terms have been settled, with Asensio eager to depart PSG after falling out of favour under boss Luis Enrique. And the signing would perfectly match Villa's need for experienced attacking depth, particularly in wide positions where creativity has occasionally waned.

Asensio's versatility and proven quality make him an ideal fit for Emery's fluid system, potentially easing the burden on players like Morgan Rogers. The prospective deal has been facilitated by the £39m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, freeing up funds without breaching PSR limits.

Finalising the deal before the transfer window closes would not only lift squad morale but also send a strong signal about Villa's ambition as a club targeting European football. Interest from clubs such as Benfica and Fenerbahce has diminished, giving Villa a clear run. Now it's all about wrapping up the paperwork and reintegrating him as swiftly as possible.

Tie Tielemans down

Securing a contract extension for Youri Tielemans should be high on the agenda for Villa, with the Belgian midfielder's current deal set to run out in 2027. Discussions are imminent, with Villa recognising his pivotal role in the team, where his vision and composure have seen him become one of the best free transfers in the club's recent history.

Tielemans has found his top form under Emery and extending his stay would not only deter potential suitors, but also send a strong internal message that good form will be rewarded. Alongside captain John McGinn, who's also set for a new contract, Tielemans is at the heart of Villa's midfield.

A fresh deal would not only reward his consistency but also provide stability to the team amid transfer uncertainties, allowing Emery to build around proven performers rather than scrambling for replacements. With a market value of approximately £33m, per Transfermarkt, securing Tielemans' new deal and Asensio's £13m bargain signing would represent a £46m coup of talent for Emery.

Raise funds

Villa's financial tightrope walk under PSR requires strategic player sales to generate funds and reduce the wage bill. With £39m coming in from Ramsey's sale to Newcastle, Villa aren't in a desperate position, but more departures may be necessary if they want to bolster the squad with some more fresh faces.

Leon Bailey, who has had a four-year stint in the West Midlands marked by inconsistency, is on Roma's radar. A loan deal with an option to buy - rather than a permanent transfer - seems most likely, which would help Villa ease some pressure on their wage bill.

Martinez has also been linked with a move away, though nothing concrete has emerged. As one of the club's highest earners, selling him could free up significant funds for transfers and wages. But retaining Martinez also carries a financial upside, sparing Villa the cost of recruiting a replacement.

Leander Dendoncker is another who could be offloaded. He's currently in talks with Real Oviedo, and while there isn't expected to be a transfer fee, his departure will help trim the wage bill.

Keep hold of Rogers

Despite persistent interest from Premier League rivals, Villa must resist any temptation to sell Rogers. Chelsea had Rogers high on their transfer wish list but were ultimately put off by Villa's £100m asking price.

While raising funds is important, offloading Rogers would undermine the squad's attacking cohesion and result in Villa losing one of the most dynamic talents to have played for the club in recent years. His energy and creativity are, in many ways, priceless - which should make him untouchable amid PSR pressures.

Rogers penned a contract extension in November but Villa are reportedly readying a new deal - one that mirrors his significance to the squad. Holding firm here will no doubt pay dividends given his immense quality and will be central to preserving the team's upward momentum.