Aston Villa are enjoying another high-flying season, led deep into the FA Cup and Champions League by manager Unai Emery while also remaining on the fringes of the Premier League top seven.
The league form – especially away from home – hasn’t hit the mad heights of 2023/24 but Villa are still within a good chance of qualifying for European football once again ahead of next campaign. Emery is here for the long-term and he’s determined to get Villa back winning trophies, so he’s going all in for the project aspect of the job.
Next season is firmly in the Spaniard’s sights as a result and, with his squad finally shaping into a proper Emery squad, the manager is likely to add the finishing touches in the summer transfer window. There may be several months yet until Villa can dip the toes in the market but that hasn’t stopped the speculation from mounting, nor has it denied Emery from considering his options.All the rumours circling – and Villa competing on all fronts – has got us thinking here at BirminghamWorld, just how could the team look next campaign if Emery gets his way?
Aston Villa’s new starting XI if the transfer rumours are true
Without further ado, here’s a full run-through of how Villa’s new lineup – worth £316 million as per Transfermarkt – could theoretically look for the 2025/26 season.
GK – Emiliano Martinez: The World Cup winner may not be at his best this season but he remains one of the most talented and successful goalkeepers on the planet. There’s definitely room to improve the backup slot but Martinez must stay as the first choice.
RB – Andres Garcia: Signed in January from Levante for around £6 million, Garcia has already shown signs of great potential and could soon overtake Matty Cash for the right-back position. Yes, the Spaniard has made mistakes at times, but he’s got the character to learn from them.
CB – Loic Bade (in from Sevilla): Although the Frenchman rejected a move to Villa in January, it’s expected Emery will give the green light for another approach in the summer. Talks were at an advanced stage with Sevilla over Bade, who could cost around £25 million. It’ll be interesting to see if he changes his mind.CB – Pau Torres: One of the first names on the team sheet when fit, Pau has been such an excellent signing for Emery’s system. The former Villarreal man performs a wide left centre-back role and is effective with his passing and dribbling out from defence.
LB – Lucas Digne: Still ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order and expected to be going into next season, Digne has proven to be a huge asset. Emery was originally keen on letting him leave for Saudi Arabia but now will be glad he changed his mind.
CM – Boubacar Kamara: Vitally important to Emery’s structure, Kamara is so effective as the more physical of the midfield double pivot. Villa are so much better when the Frenchman is in the team and have looked shaky defensively when he’s been absent.
CM – Youri Tielemans: As effective in a deeper-lying playmaker role as he is as a more attacking midfielder, Tielemans has been one of the players of the season for Villa. Emery will be hoping the Belgium international’s form can carry over into 2025/26.
CAM – Morgan Rogers: Another star in contention for the player of the season award, Rogers has been pretty unstoppable either as a number 10 or a winger on either side. Emery handpicked the Englishman and it’s worked a treat as he’s proving to be one of the most talented youngsters in the Premier League.
RW – Matheus Cunha (in from Wolves): Villa were heavily linked with Cunha in January before he signed a new Wolves contract but he’s got a £62.5 million release clause that can be activated from July. Marco Asensio, currently on loan for six months but possibly up for a longer-term move, is an excellent alternative.
LW – Marcus Rashford (in from Man Utd): A transfer already in the works is Rashford to Villa permanently as an option to buy for £40 million was included in the attacker’s loan deal. Emery will be assessing the situation over the next few months as he decides whether or not to activate the clause.
ST – Ollie Watkins: Villa will probably be in the market for another striking option to support Watkins but it’s unlikely somebody will come in to take his place immediately. The 29-year-old hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season just yet but he’s still impressed, scoring 12 goals and making six assists in the league so far this term.
