Aston Villa are set for a busy final fortnight of the summer transfer window, with both outgoings and incomings expected before the deadline on Tuesday, September 1. Unai Emery's side are close to confirming the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki, but further additions are needed in midfield, at right-back, and on the right wing.
Right Winger Must Be a Priority, Says Claret & Blue
According to John Townley of Claret & Blue, a right winger should be Villa's top priority in the remaining days of the window. Townley emphasized the need for squad depth, especially with the club competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
“You need a squad. Like, we say this a lot, and we try to think about: well, in the best possible situation, what if Buendia is on top form, you have Manzambi, Garnacho is showing something as well, and you've got McGinn? Yeah, like, this is good,” Townley said. “If one of them starts against X club in the Champions League, maybe the other then starts in the Premier League. You need these options, because if we don't have them, we're literally in trouble. If we don't have enough players, how the hell are we going to fit everyone in? Which one do we want here?”
Buendia's Pre-Season Form and Manzambi's Return
Townley acknowledged that Emiliano Buendia has impressed during pre-season, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain, and hopes he can carry that form into the season opener against Brighton and subsequent matches. However, he noted that even with Manzambi returning from injury, it may take time for him to regain full fitness and adapt to Emery's tactical system.
“So, he needs a bright start to the season because, even if we have Manzambi back hopefully soon, he's obviously going to take a little while to not only get his fitness back up to a good level, but also learn Emery's way, structurally what we're doing, and things like that. So, maybe we won't even see the best of Manzambi for another few months. But that's okay as long as we have him as an option, I think,” Townley added.
Goalscoring Concerns and the Need for Another Attacker
Townley expressed concerns about the team's goalscoring output, pointing to the lack of a guaranteed replacement for Morgan Rogers, who departed earlier in the window. He highlighted that while players like Ollie Watkins and John McGinn will contribute, Villa still lack a proven goal threat on the right flank.
“I'm a little bit nervous that after losing Rogers, we haven't quite replaced him with a guarantee. And I know that's hard to say, but if you can't replace him with a guarantee, it's therefore a risk. Do we just add another one in there who you are confident can boost your numbers again? I don't know. I just think we are still light, especially in that right-wing position,” he said.
Townley also praised Alysson's pre-season performances, noting his ability to beat defenders like Nuno Mendes, but admitted he has yet to see the Brazilian score a goal. “I definitely like him from what I've seen. I just haven't seen him score a goal. I know he hasn't played many games, but I literally haven't seen him score a goal. So, I can't sit here and say, 'Oh, he'll get you up to 10 as well.' It's just sort of fantasy, really.”
With the club aiming to secure another top-four finish and progress deep into the Champions League, Townley stressed the importance of adding another attacking option. He pointed to the midfield's lack of goals, mentioning players like Barkley, Palhinha, Kamara, and Gomes, who are not expected to contribute significantly in front of goal.
“We definitely need another one, though, for me, especially when a player like Hendrick isn't there. And Jhon Gomez may also chip in, but he's not going to play as a 10, he's not going to play in that advanced role that we'd like. So, if you have, for example, Barkley, Palhinha, Kamara, and Gomes... again, I don't know his role, but there are not many goals between them,” Townley concluded.
As the transfer window enters its final days, Villa fans will be eager to see if the club can secure the necessary reinforcements to bolster their squad for the challenges ahead.
