While speculation has been rife over the past week in terms of transfer targets being linked with Aston Villa, the club have yet to make their move in the market.
Given the window itself doesn’t open until June 14, the expectation is that things will certainly ramp up as of next week, but as we’ve seen with other clubs already since the season concluded, business is being done.
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That said, there shouldn’t be any reason to be concerned as Unai Emery will likely have his transfer shortlist of priorities, as he looks to bring in reinforcements that significantly improve the current squad and help us raise the level again next year.
However, it appears as though Villa are keen to make a crucial appointment before signing new players, but as per Marca, the situation regarding Monchi’s future at Sevilla is becoming complicated, amid suggestions that he is being lined up for a key role at Villa as part of the new management infrastructure that will work closely with Emery.
Time will tell if he reaches an agreement with the La Liga outfit to leave and join us, but after weeks of speculation linking Mateu Alemany with a similar move, only for it to end with him opting to stay at Barcelona, it’s hoped that history doesn’t repeat itself here and Emery gets the support that he needs, and wants.
It’s unclear what such an appointment would mean for the future of Johan Lange at this stage as ultimately changes would be needed to how we operate, but for now, it’s the ongoing saga that is the missing piece of bringing in a new director before diving into transfer dealings.
Emery will have clear plans on how he wants to improve the squad and ensure we become increasingly competitive, as not only will he be targeting further progression in the Premier League next year, but also to challenge for domestic silverware and put together a deep run in the Europa Conference League.
He’ll need both competition and depth to ensure that materialises, and while he’ll know better than anyone who is best-suited to his ideas and style of play to improve us, he arguably needs that structure around him to help with the process and to offer support in ensuring his vision becomes a reality.
Having worked with Monchi previously, he’ll know exactly what he can bring to Villa, and if the 54-year-old is indeed our priority now after links with various other names in Spain over the past few months, it’s important that the club get a deal done soon.
That in turn will allow the recruitment planning and strategy to evolve and be put into action as soon as possible, with Emery undoubtedly wanting to welcome new faces sooner rather than later to allow them to settle and acclimatise ahead of our pre-season schedule next month.
The club’s plan makes sense in that it’s right we get a sporting or technical director in place first before launching into the transfer market to allow them to bring in the right players while working in conjunction with Emery, but it will hopefully materialise and be confirmed in the coming days to set everything else in motion.