It promises to be a busy summer for Aston Villa, as Unai Emery and the club plot a way to strengthen the squad ahead of a big season next year.
Having qualified for the Champions League, Villa will look to continue to significantly improve the squad where possible, while we’ll also look for consistency by cementing our place in the top four in the Premier League while trying to be more competitive in the domestic cups.
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In order to do that, we need a squad capable of competing across multiple fronts over the course of a gruelling season, and much will have been learned from this past campaign in that regard, albeit injuries were a major factor.
While new signings are expected, Villa are also likely to have to balance that with sales as we continue to ensure we adhere to PSR and stay within those parameters to avoid the threat of sanctions, and there are a number of players in the current group who are likely to be facing a possible departure in the coming months.
Villa have already confirmed that Morgan Sanson has sealed a permanent switch to OGC Nice after his loan stint with the Ligue 1 side this past season, and several others could follow him out of the exit door. Neither Clement Lenglet nor Nicolo Zaniolo are expected to see their loan moves made permanent, while speculation continues to link Jhon Duran with a move away.
However, that would undoubtedly require Villa to replace him, and so until a viable solution is touted, that doesn’t seem a likely option with Emery continuing to insist that he believes in the young Colombian striker.
Coutinho, Dendoncker will look for permanent solution
After being shipped out on loan last season, it’s unlikely that either Philippe Coutinho or Leander Dendoncker have a future at Villa, and so the pair will be searching for a new solution this summer.
Ultimately, Emery’s decision to allow them to leave temporarily was an indication of how he likely believes they are surplus to requirements, and through a combination of injury troubles and limitations, the Villa boss will be eager to upgrade in both their positions by replacing them with his own signings.
Coutinho’s unreliability due to his fitness concerns and Dendoncker’s inability to break into the side on a consistent basis or even climb the pecking order suggests that their respective returns this summer will be brief, but it’s hoped suitable offers arrive.
Chambers free to leave
Speaking in January, Emery revealed that Calum Chambers was free to leave. While an exit didn’t materialise in that transfer window, it’s expected that we’ll offload the versatile 29-year-old this time round.
Given his limited involvement, it’s likely to only be a modest fee that we receive for him, if one at all, but ultimately it now makes sense to shift his wages off the books and create space in the squad for a more effective depth option.
To his credit, Chambers remained professional and was involved with the squad despite an evident understanding that he was on the market, but it makes sense for both parties for him to move on this summer.
Goalkeeper reshuffle as Olsen enters last year of deal
Robin Olsen now has one year left to run on his Villa contract, and at 34 years of age and having had opportunities to attract interest this season, it could be the last chance for the club to move him on for a fee if an offer were to arrive.
While the experienced Swedish stalwart hasn’t always convinced when deputising for Emiliano Martinez, he is undoubtedly a valued presence in the squad by Emery, who has consistently praised him.
However, having signed Joe Gauci in January, Villa face a decision on either promoting the 23-year-old Australian shot-stopper to second choice this year or perhaps loaning him out to gain experience. Sitting third in the pecking order won’t allow him to develop his game, and so shifting Olsen could open up that spot for him having had five months to adapt and settle in.
Diego Carlos an unwanted but perhaps necessary sacrifice
As per the Telegraph this week, Villa are said to be willing to listen to offers for Diego Carlos this summer, as his hefty salary is an issue that could complicate our PSR situation.
The 31-year-old established himself as an important option for Emery this past season, and if he is sold, there’s no doubt that he’ll have to be replaced. However, if a suitable offer arrives, it sounds as though he could be on his way, although it seems unlikely that it will be a substantial bid.
Nevertheless, with the report adding that alternative sales could mean Villa can avoid a scenario in which we have to sell Jacob Ramsey, the Brazilian centre-half could be one to go to give us flexibility and room to manoeuvre in the market.
