A number of Aston Villa’s top players are set to enter the final two years of their contracts this summer. Centre-back partners Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres are among those players and will each celebrate their 30th birthdays next year.
Key Players Approaching Contract Milestones
Youri Tielemans, like Torres, will also turn 30 before the start of next season and has two years remaining on his current deal. There had been suggestions that the Belgian’s contract with Villa was due to expire next summer, in 2027, but that was dismissed by club officials last season.
Club captain John McGinn and Ollie Watkins will also enter the final 24 months of their contracts this summer. Watkins last extended his deal in October 2023, while McGinn was handed fresh terms in November last year.
Contract Value and Transfer Implications
Typically, when a player has two years remaining on their contract, their value begins to decline. However, in Villa’s case, none of the aforementioned players are worth selling this summer. Konsa and Torres are Unai Emery’s first-choice centre-back pairing, while McGinn remains integral and Watkins hit top form in the final weeks of the campaign.
Tielemans, meanwhile, joined on a free transfer from Leicester City three years ago, meaning Villa would still make a profit on any future sale. However, he would be extremely difficult to replace. On his day, there are few midfielders in the Premier League capable of what Tielemans offers, and he is also captaining Belgium at the World Cup this summer.
Financial Constraints and Future Planning
While Villa should not be looking to cash in — and instead, if necessary, explore alternative ways to raise funds — the situation regarding renewals is far from straightforward. In UEFA’s most recent financial landscape report, Villa’s wage bill was the 11th highest in Europe, exceeding the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Inter and Juventus.
Their revenues must increase to provide greater flexibility in the transfer market, but for now, their ability to spend remains constrained by an inflated wage bill. Do any of the players deserve a new contract? Tell us here.
