Villa's Transfer Ambitions Take Shape
Aston Villa are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season's Champions League and Premier League campaigns. With links emerging across nearly every position, the club could theoretically field an entirely new starting XI based on players already connected with moves to Villa Park. Left-back is the only position not generating daily speculation.
While financial constraints mean Villa won't sign all of them, the breadth of targets suggests the club is conducting a thorough review of the squad. Here is the hypothetical XI made up of players linked with Villa this summer.
Goalkeeper: James Trafford
Emiliano Martinez's future continues to generate rumours, with Juventus now linked alongside last year's Manchester United interest. Villa have been linked with several goalkeepers, including Parma's Japan international Zion Suzuki and Stoke's Viktor Johansson. However, Manchester City's James Trafford could be the most eye-catching option. Uncertain of his future at the Etihad, the 23-year-old has also been linked with Newcastle.
Right-Back: Emerson Royal
Villa have been searching for competition for Matty Cash, and surprisingly, Flamengo's Emerson Royal has emerged as a target. The Brazilian, who spent three seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, has been at Flamengo for only one year and has not been massively impressive, splitting opinion with his performances.
Centre-Back: Maxence Lacroix
Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is one of several Champions League clubs' targets, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea also credited with interest. The France international's size and speed would improve most backlines, but his £50 million price tag and three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park could be prohibitive.
Centre-Back: Danilho Doekhi
Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi is a free agent as his contract ends this month. The Dutch defender, 27, has been linked with Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United and could command a fee in excess of £20 million.
Left-Back: Lloyd Kelly
Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly can play left-back, but it would be a surprise to see Villa add to options that already include Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne. Kelly, who made his name at Bristol City and Bournemouth, spent a short period at Newcastle before being sold to Juve. He has been linked with Villa and Leeds.
Defensive Midfield: Dion Lopy
Senegal international Dion Lopy is set to leave Spanish second-tier side Almeria after they failed to secure promotion back to La Liga. Spanish outlet Cadena Ser report a €15 million transfer is a 'done deal'. The 24-year-old has been with Almeria since signing a six-year deal after leaving Reims in 2023.
Defensive Midfield: Mateus Fernandes
West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is also linked with Manchester United and Tottenham for a whopping £80 million. Villa have decent options in defensive midfield, but Amadou Onana has had injury struggles and Youri Tielemans didn't recapture his best form after returning to the side.
Right Wing: Jarrod Bowen
Extensive speculation has linked Bowen with Villa, with talkSPORT claiming it's not a question of if but when. The Leominster-born forward has been at West Ham since 2020, but at least a season in the Championship might bring that to an end. Everton have also been linked, and Bowen still has four years left on his deal, potentially costing £50 million.
Attacking Midfield: Nick Woltemade
The 24-year-old made a brilliant start to his first season at Newcastle after joining from VfB Stuttgart last summer. However, his performances waned, leading to discussion about his best position, with most seeing him more effective behind the striker despite being 6ft 6ins. Eddie Howe has professed himself a fan of the Germany international, but a £65 million price tag could deter Villa.
Left Wing: Crysencio Summerville
The 24-year-old was one of the few West Ham players to end last season with much credit, earning a place in the Netherlands' World Cup squad. Villa have looked into signing Summerville, as have Manchester United and Liverpool, and it's difficult to think he'll be playing Championship football next season.
Striker: Brian Brobbey
Reports in Germany cite Villa as one of several clubs keen on Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, along with Chelsea, United, and Spurs. The 24-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Ajax last summer, has made an impact at the World Cup with a brace against Sweden.
