Aston Villa are preparing for another pivotal summer transfer window as Unai Emery’s side edges closer to securing a Champions League spot. The Villans are also aiming to reach the Europa League final and aspire to consistently compete for top honours.
Emery's Balancing Act
Emery has continued to perform miracles, balancing league form with European competitions—a feat often overlooked outside the Villa bubble. That the club competes at the top end of the Premier League is even more remarkable given recent signings.
Last summer saw Marco Bizot and Victor Lindelof arrive as solid backups, while loanee Jadon Sancho showed flashes. However, Evann Guessand and Harvey Elliott proved disappointing. In January, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, and Tammy Abraham joined, but only Abraham has made a significant impact this term.
Villa aim to learn from past mistakes. Here, we outline a dream summer for the 2026/27 season.
Goalkeepers
Emiliano Martinez seemed destined to leave last year after an emotional farewell. A failed move to Manchester United caused friction, but his performances have mended bridges. Ideally, Martinez would sign off with Europa League glory before departing. Replacing him is a huge task, but Villa could target Manchester City’s James Trafford, who cost £27m but remains second-choice. The 23-year-old has been linked with Villa as he seeks regular minutes. Marco Bizot remains a reliable backup, with academy graduate James Wright as third-choice.
Defenders
Villa boast strong centre-back options: Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, and Victor Lindelof. While younger options may be needed soon, it’s not an immediate concern. At right-back, Matty Cash has had a strong season, but competition has been lacking. Villa could solve this by signing Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza as a free agent and loaning out Andres Garcia. Mingueza, 26, can play both flanks and has thrived in four years at Celta. Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne continue to compete for left-back.
Midfielders
Ideally, Villa retain all centre-midfield options. When fit, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara form one of the Premier League’s best duos, with Amadou Onana improving. Lamare Bogarde has shown quality, Ross Barkley offers experience, and George Hemmings returns from loan. Douglas Luiz returns to Juventus after his second spell, while Harvey Elliott heads back to Liverpool.
Forwards
Captain John McGinn remains the heartbeat of the team but faces new competition. Fulham’s Harry Wilson, heavily linked, would add options on the right wing or as a No. 10. Brazilian starlet Alysson continues his development, while Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia are sold. The perfect window would see Morgan Rogers stay, competing with new arrival Jonathan Rowe from Bologna. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, who cost £59m, would be a marquee signing. The 27-year-old has struggled for regular minutes but has quality for the second striker role. Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham lead the line, with youngster Brian Madjo on the fringes.
Dream 25-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Trafford, Bizot, Wright. Defenders: Cash, Mingueza, Konsa, Torres, Mings, Lindelof, Maatsen, Digne. Midfielders: Tielemans, Kamara, Onana, Bogarde, Barkley. Forwards: McGinn, Wilson, Rogers, Rowe, Alysson, Watkins, Abraham, Marmoush, Madjo.
