Aston Villa's Transfer Deadline Day State of Play
Aston Villa face a crucial deadline this evening, with all winter transfer business required to be finalised by 7pm. The club has historically been active on deadline days, but manager Unai Emery has indicated a much quieter approach this time around.
Emery's Clear Message on Business
Following Villa's 1-0 defeat to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, Emery was unequivocal when questioned about potential deadline day activity. "Not. Definitely not," the manager stated firmly when asked whether any further business was planned.
Emery elaborated on his position, explaining: "I think it is clear. We don't have a lot of possibilities to do something to improve now. We did everything we planned. It is completely done - the transfer window for us."
Winter Window Business Completed
Villa have already secured four new signings during this winter transfer period:
- Tammy Abraham - Joined from Besiktas in an £18 million deal
- Douglas Luiz - Returned to the club on an initial loan with an option to buy
- Brian Madjo and Alysson - Combined £20 million signings viewed as future prospects
Both Abraham and Luiz featured in the starting lineup against Brentford, demonstrating their immediate integration into the squad.
The Harvey Elliott Situation
One unresolved matter concerns Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott, whose future at Villa Park remains uncertain. The young midfielder has recently been reintegrated into the squad after an extended period without playing time.
Emery has confirmed that Villa will not activate their £35 million obligation to buy Elliott, which would be triggered once he makes ten appearances for the club. Having featured seven times already, Elliott can only play twice more unless Villa and Liverpool agree to remove this contractual obligation.
When questioned about Elliott's future on Sunday, Emery explained: "Only we have this issue. Tomorrow is the deadline. And it is not changing - nothing - until today."
Outgoing Loan Movement Expected
Meanwhile, Villa youngster Jamal Jimoh-Aloba is anticipated to secure a loan move away from the club before the deadline passes. West Bromwich Albion are believed to be leading the race for the 19-year-old, with Leicester City also expressing interest following his match-winning contribution against RB Salzburg last week.
Historical Deadline Day Activity
Villa's current quiet approach contrasts with their previous deadline day activities. During the September transfer deadline, the club secured three signings: Jadon Sancho, Victor Lindelof, and Harvey Elliott. In the last winter window, after signing Marcus Rashford in early February, Villa completed loan deals for Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi during the final hours.
As the clock ticks toward tonight's 7pm deadline, Villa fans can expect minimal activity, with Emery's comments suggesting the club's winter business is essentially complete, save for potential resolution of Elliott's contractual situation and Jimoh-Aloba's expected loan departure.
