Aston Villa still has time to build some momentum after starting their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a disappointing aimless draw at home to Newcastle this weekend
It has been a test summer for Aston Villa. Their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign are overshadowed by uncertainty, frustration and financial tension – which throw something of a gloomy cloud over Villa Park.
Under Unai Emery, the Villa process has unmistakably raised. But with their resources pushed to the limit, there is a growing fear that the momentum can hold – or even slip in the opposite place.
However, there are reasons to be optimistic. Ollie Watkins and EMI Martinez, both the subject of serious interest of some of the largest clubs in Europe, seem to stay in Claret and Blue. And one or two additions can be made before the window closes.
With two weeks left of the market, Emery stands for a delicate balance act. The first stalemate against Newcastle underlined the need for reinforcements, but with the precarious PSR position of the club, every investment must be carefully measured.
Here, Mirror Football investigates the most important priorities that Emery has to tackle to ignite the season of Villa, to eliminate the cloud of uncertainty and to stimulate another push for Europe – with a view to recovering their place under the elite of the continent.
Get Asensio -Deal
Villa is about to close a permanent deal for PSG Ace Marco Asensio in a movement that can prove to be an excellent price -quality ratio. The club is said to prepare an offer of £ 13 million for the 29-year-old Spaniard.
He impressed during a loan tint in Villa Park in the second half of last season, with eight goals and an assist. That is a smart, advanced piece of work for a player who does not need an introduction to his teammates, who has already played in addition to most of them.
Personal conditions have already been agreed, where Asensio liked to leave PSG after he has gotten out of grace under manager Luis Enrique. This signing would perfectly match the needs of Villa of experienced attacking depth, especially in broad areas where creativity has occasionally decreased.
Asensio's versatility and proven quality, especially with Real Madrid, make him an ideal fit for Emery's liquid system, which makes it possible to facilitate the burden for players such as Morgan Rogers. The potential deal is facilitated by the £ 40 million sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, so that funds are released without breaking PSR limits.
By pushing this over the line before the window closes, it would not only give Squad -Moral a boost, but also send a clear message about Villa's ambition as a club with European football in their visor. The competition from clubs such as Benfica and Fenerbahce has decreased, giving Villa a clear path. Now it is about the paperwork being completed and reinforced it as quickly as possible.
Bind Tielemans
Securing a contract extension for your Tielemans must also be a top priority for Villa, in which the Belgian midfielder enters the last two years of his current deal, which will expire in 2027. Discussions are threatening, in which Villa recognizes his crucial role in the team in the team, where his vision and calmness have seen him one of the best transfers in the clubs in the club.
Tielemans, whose market value is approximately £ 33 million, has rediscovered his best form under Emery and expanding his stay would not only repel the interest of potential lovers, but also send a strong internal message that a good form will be rewarded.
In addition to Captain John McGinn, who is also in line for a new offer, Tielemans represents the heartbeat of the midfield of Villa. A new deal would not only reward its consistency, but also stabilizing the team in the midst of transfer of security, so that Emery can build proven artists instead of scrambling for replacements.
Collect funds
The financial cord walk of Aston Villa under PSR requires the sale of strategic players to generate funds and shorten the wage account. With £ 40 million that comes in through Ramsey's sale to Newcastle, villa are not in a desperate position, but more expenses can be essential if they want to stimulate the team with some more new faces.
Leon Bailey, whose enchantment of four years in the West Midlands has been destroyed by inconsistency, is on Roma's Radar. A loan agreement with an option to buy – instead of a permanent transfer – it seems most likely, which would help Villa to illuminate some pressure on their wage account.
Emi Martinez has also been associated with a move, although nothing concrete has arisen. As one of the highest earners of the club, selling him could free considerable funds for transfers and wages. Nevertheless, retaining Martinez also has a financial benefit, which means Villa saves the costs of recruiting a replacement.
Leander Dendoncker is another that can be loaded. He is currently in conversation with Real Oviedo, and although it is not expected that it is a transfer costs, his departure will help to reduce the wage account.
Hold Rogers
Despite persistent interest from Premier League rivals, Villa must resist every temptation to sell Morgan Rogers. Chelsea had Rogers High on their transfer wish list, but was eventually postponed by Villas £ 100 million asking price.
Although the collection of funds is of vital importance, the loading of Rogers would undermine the attacking coherence of the team and lead to Villa losing one of the most dynamic talents that has played for the club in recent years. His energy and creativity are in many ways priceless – which should be inviolable in the midst of PSR pressure.
Rogers signed a contract extension in November, but Villa reportedly prepares a new deal – one that reflects its interest in the side. Holding Firm here will undoubtedly pay dividends, given its enormous quality and will be central to the retirement momentum of the team.