Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a significant update on the club's plans for the upcoming January transfer window, confirming the Premier League side will have room to manoeuvre despite financial constraints.
Villa's Transfer Window Stance
Speaking ahead of his team's crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Tuesday, Emery revealed that Villa will have some flexibility to recruit when the market reopens on Thursday. He was clear, however, that the club is operating under a restricted budget and cannot spend lavishly.
"We are alert. The club is working and if we can sign someone to help us and improve on something we need, we will do it," Emery stated. He added a note of caution: "We can sign players, only we can’t spend a lot. But we can do something, of course."
Potential Ins and Outs at Villa Park
The Spanish coach hinted that business could involve both arrivals and departures, mirroring the activity of the previous January window. Last year, Villa signed four players in the winter period while also generating significant funds through sales.
Those sales, including the departures of Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos, and Jaden Philogene, brought in close to £100 million, providing the club with a healthier financial footing. Emery suggested a similar model could be followed this month: "Maybe as well changing someone. Last year we signed four players in January and let others leave. We are in the same situation now."
One incoming deal appears to be nearing completion, with Brazilian winger Alysson expected to join the club shortly.
Emery's Ambitions for the Season
The manager connected the club's transfer activity directly to their on-pitch ambitions for the remainder of the campaign. Villa are competing in the Europa League and are in the mix for European qualification in the Premier League.
"How we are competing in the Europa League, we want to try to be a protagonist and hopefully a way for a trophy now," Emery explained. He reflected on the team's progress, stating, "In the Premier League, two months ago, we couldn’t speak like we are now as we were in a different situation. Now we want to be ambitious to achieve our objective. That is Europe."
Emery reaffirmed the long-term project he signed up for at Villa Park, highlighting his desire to build a team capable of consistently challenging for trophies and European football. He praised his current squad's mentality and maturity but indicated that reinforcements could help maintain their challenging position across multiple competitions in the second half of the season.
