Aston Villa are preparing for a pivotal period of contract negotiations, with six first-team players seeing their deals expire at the end of the 2025/26 season. The club has been proactive in securing key assets but now faces critical decisions on several squad members.
Villa's Recent Contract Success
The Midlands club has already demonstrated a strong commitment to retaining its core talent. Since the conclusion of the previous campaign, several important players have committed their futures to Villa Park.
Defender Tyrone Mings was among the first to sign an extension following the final day disappointment at Manchester United. He was quickly followed by midfielder Boubacar Kamara, whose renewal until 2030 was described as arguably the club's best business last summer.
French full-back Lucas Digne extended his stay until 2028, while rising talent Morgan Rogers saw his contract lengthened to 2027 with improved terms reflecting his growing importance. Captain John McGinn and defender Matty Cash have also been rewarded with new deals running until 2028 and 2029 respectively.
The Pending Contract Situations
Despite this progress, Villa's work is far from complete. Youri Tielemans finds himself in a particularly crucial position, with his current agreement set to enter its final year this summer. The Belgian midfielder's future represents one of the most pressing concerns for club officials.
Several other players, including Emi Buendia, Marco Bizot, and Tyrone Mings, have contracts running until 2027. Defender Victor Lindelöf also falls into this category, though Villa hold an option to extend his stay by an additional twelve months.
The situation surrounding Ross Barkley, who returned to the club in 2024, will also require attention as his deal approaches its conclusion in the coming years.
Assessment and Future Planning
Club management faces varied considerations for each player. Tielemans represents the most obvious priority for a new long-term agreement given his influential role in the squad.
Argentine playmaker Emi Buendia, who turns 29 in December, could earn an extension if he maintains his impressive early-season form. His creativity and work rate make him a valuable asset despite approaching his thirties.
Goalkeeper Marco Bizot has made a strong start to his Villa career but will turn 35 before the season concludes. The club will carefully assess his situation alongside those of Lindelöf, Mings, and Barkley when appropriate.
These contract decisions form part of Villa's broader strategy to build a sustainable, competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level while managing financial considerations effectively.
