Aston Villa's Potential New Starting XI: £59m Man City Forward & Juventus Star In
As the January transfer window draws to a close, Aston Villa find themselves in a thrilling position, firmly entrenched in the Premier League title race and just a few points adrift of the summit. Under the astute guidance of manager Unai Emery, the Villans have delivered a series of impressive performances throughout the season, cementing their credentials for a coveted Champions League spot with notable victories over top-tier rivals including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
Renowned for their shrewd and strategic spending during the winter transfer period, Aston Villa have once again demonstrated their market acumen this January. With time still remaining for potential new arrivals, the West Midlands club is poised to further bolster Emery's squad as they mount a dual challenge in both the Premier League and the Europa League. Here, we explore how the Villans' starting lineup could potentially evolve for the remainder of the campaign, should the latest transfer speculations materialise into concrete signings.
Aston Villa's New Starting XI - According to the Latest Rumours
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
Defence: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen
Aston Villa's defensive unit has been a cornerstone of their success in recent months, boasting a record that rivals the very best in the division. Emiliano Martinez has emphatically rebounded from a failed summer transfer, consistently showcasing why he has been repeatedly honoured as the world's premier goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash have maintained their exceptional form this season, providing reliability and dynamism at the back.
Pau Torres has seamlessly reintegrated into the side following his return from injury, now competing with Tyrone Mings for the centre-back position. On the left flank, the Villans are well-equipped with two robust options in Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne, both of whom have accrued significant minutes across various competitions under Emery's stewardship. Any potential defensive addition in the window's final days, amid links to Bundesliga defender Danilho Doekhi, is likely to serve as a valuable rotational asset for the time being.
Midfield: Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana
Aston Villa experienced a setback this month with Conor Gallagher opting for Tottenham Hotspur, but they swiftly orchestrated a coup by securing the return of former player Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus, a move officially confirmed on Wednesday.
The Brazilian international encountered difficulties settling at Juventus following his £42.5 million transfer from Villa Park in the summer of 2024, and a subsequent loan spell at Nottingham Forest earlier this season proved unfruitful. However, Emery and Villa are acutely aware of his inherent quality, and the 27-year-old could emerge as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by the injured midfield trio of Boubacar Kamara, captain John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans.
Aston Villa Add Two New Forwards to Aid Title Tilt
Attack: Omar Marmoush, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia; Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa have already welcomed one new attacking addition this month and may yet secure another before the transfer deadline, should Emery's wishes be fulfilled. Tammy Abraham has made a permanent return to Villa Park, offering vital support to Ollie Watkins. Abraham is revisiting his former stomping ground, where he previously excelled during a loan stint in the Championship back in the 2018/19 season. Now, he is set to play a pivotal role in a Premier League title pursuit.
Morgan Rogers has emerged as one of the division's standout performers this term, and Emiliano Buendia has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in form. Additionally, Villa are reportedly eyeing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as a potential high-calibre attacking option. The Egyptian international, signed for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt just twelve months ago, has been linked with a departure due to limited first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola this season. Marmoush's versatility, capable of operating both as a winger and a central striker, would represent an invaluable acquisition should he arrive at Villa Park.
