Aston Villa are facing a pivotal summer transfer window as they look to build on last month's Europa League triumph. A second Champions League campaign in three seasons awaits Unai Emery's side, who reached the quarter-finals last year before being knocked out by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Potential outgoings dominate early talk
So far, there has been more speculation about departures than arrivals at Villa Park. Emi Martinez is attracting interest from Juventus and is reportedly open to a new challenge, mirroring his stance 12 months ago. Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers is being courted by Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Rogers has five years remaining on his contract and is one of the Premier League's most valuable assets at just 23 years old. He is also set to feature for England at this summer's World Cup. Villa insist they do not want to sell, but if his valuation is met, the club may have little choice due to Squad Cost Rules limiting their flexibility.
Even without selling Martinez or Rogers, there are gaps to fill. Jadon Sancho's loan has ended, Leon Bailey will be allowed to leave, and right-back Andres Garcia could depart either on loan or permanently.
Replacing Martinez in goal
Replacing Martinez will be no easy task, but doing so could reduce the wage bill and lower the squad's average age. Martinez turns 34 in September but has shown few signs of slowing down. However, this may be one of the last opportunities for Villa to secure a decent fee for the club legend, who helped them win the Europa League.
Villa have scouted several goalkeepers over the past year. One option is James Trafford of Manchester City. The 24-year-old returned to the Etihad last summer but has been stuck behind Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford made 17 appearances last season, keeping eight clean sheets and recording save percentages of 74% in the league, 77% in the FA Cup and 88% in the Carabao Cup. City paid a record £31 million for him and may seek a similar fee.
Other options include Anatoliy Trubin, Zion Suzuki, Robin Risser and Bart Verbruggen.
Right-back and defensive options
At right-back, Villa could sign Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer. The 27-year-old is leaving Celta Vigo when his contract expires this summer. Villa have long admired Mingueza, having considered him in January 2024 before opting for a cheaper alternative in Garcia. His versatility and strong injury record appeal to Emery, though he would not be guaranteed a starting role with Matty Cash enjoying his best season.
Attacking reinforcements needed
Villa already need to replace Bailey and Sancho, and selling Rogers would create another gap. Marcus Rashford is a dream target for Emery, but his wage demands could be prohibitive. After a loan spell at Barcelona, where he performed well, his options appear limited. Arsenal seem the most realistic Premier League destination, while Bayern Munich and PSG are European alternatives. Rashford could bring the X-factor to replace Rogers on the left wing or centrally.
Omar Marmoush is another option, though he would not come cheap even if Manchester City are open to selling. To replace Bailey on the right, Villa are considering Karim Adeyemi and Ibrahim Mbaye. Mbaye, who will represent Senegal at the World Cup, is eager for more playing time. William Gomes is also a promising talent, though FC Porto may value him highly after an impressive season.
Midfield creativity and depth
John McGinn and Emi Buendia can operate across attacking midfield roles, but another creative option would be needed if Rogers departs. Lucas Bergvall is a midfielder Villa have monitored for months. The 20-year-old Swedish international started just 11 league matches last season at Tottenham, who avoided relegation. Bergvall could fit into Villa's system in multiple roles, allowing Tielemans to push forward or McGinn to shift wide.
A front line of Rashford, Mbaye and McGinn supporting Ollie Watkins is exciting, especially with Youri Tielemans orchestrating from deeper areas. However, squad depth remains a concern over a long season. Adding Bergvall would provide flexibility and game time for the young Swede to fulfil his potential.
