Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has outlined his position ahead of the crucial January transfer window, stating he is largely content with his current squad but will remain vigilant for potential opportunities to improve.
Emery's satisfied stance on Villa squad
Speaking ahead of the winter market opening, the Villa boss insisted he is happy with the composition of his group. He suggested the team's performances this season, compared to the struggles of the previous campaign's first half, have reinforced his satisfaction.
"This year, we're happy as we are," Emery stated. "Now we are performing very well in the Europa League, and consistently in the Premier League. I'm happy with the players we have, I'm not thinking about the transfer window in January."
Lessons from last season's January business
The club's activity in the last winter window provides a clear blueprint for how they might operate. In January 2025, Villa were notably active, securing five signings.
These included the permanent arrivals of striker Donyell Malen and defender Andres Garcia. Furthermore, sporting director Monchi bolstered the squad for a Champions League knockout push with three high-profile loan signings: Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford, and Axel Disasi.
That campaign ultimately ended with a Champions League quarter-final exit to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, and a narrow failure to secure a top-five Premier League finish after a final-day defeat to Manchester United.
A cautious approach for the current campaign
Despite that precedent for activity, Emery's current comments suggest a more measured approach. He acknowledged the window represents a chance to improve but emphasised his present contentment.
"Maybe we could do something, but always we must be ready," he added. "It's a chance to improve the squad, but I'm happy for now. Some players, they can get better performances."
This stance comes with Villa sitting third in the Premier League and competing in the Europa League group stages. The schedule demands could yet prompt the club to seek reinforcements for the second half of the season, even if only to add depth.
Emery's remarks indicate a manager confident in his existing resources, yet pragmatic enough to sanction moves if the right opportunities to strengthen his team present themselves in the January market.
