While Aston Villa have been among the most active clubs in the summer transfer window thus far, there is a sense that our work in the market is far from done.
Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley have all arrived, along with January recruit Kosta Nedeljkovic, and so the squad has undoubtedly been strengthened.
READ MORE: Five talking points as Villa fall to defeat to Columbus Crew in USA pre-season opener
That said, we’ve sold Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz, Omari Kellyman, Tim Iroegbunam, Morgan Sanson and Viljami Sinisalo to balance our spending, while Philippe Coutinho and Filip Marschall have been loaned out and Calum Chambers, Clement Lenglet and Nicolo Zaniolo have departed.
Opinion will likely be split as to whether or not we’re a stronger squad now compared to how we started the summer, but what is becoming clear over the course of our pre-season schedule is that we’re surely still looking to bring in further reinforcements before the window closes.
While it’s important not to overreact, be it to something positive or negative, there was a clear concern that emerged during our 4-1 defeat to Columbus Crew this weekend, and that is we are still short at the back.
Ezri Konsa has yet to return to link up with the rest of his teammates having been given an extended break after EURO 2024, while there is still uncertainty over when we will see Tyrone Mings back on the pitch after his serious knee injury has now ruled him out for almost a year.
That leaves us with Diego Carlos and Pau Torres as our only other two senior centre-half options, with Lucas Digne having to fill in in the second half in Ohio, as Emery continues to rotate and give everyone minutes.
Particularly with those question marks hanging over Mings, and with the possibility that Emery will want to utilise Konsa at right-back on occasion, bringing in another centre-back is imperative in the coming weeks to ensure we have enough in that department. A new right-back may well be on most supporters’ lists too, but with Kosta Nedeljkovic impressing so far, perhaps he’s set to rival Matty Cash for a starting berth this season along with Kaine Kesler-Hayden.
Further up the pitch, although Emiliano Buendia’s return is huge and we’ve bolstered our attacking options in the final third, do we have enough creativity to go with the pace and athleticism that others offer?
Luiz will leave a big void given what he offered in the attacking phase in possession, and while it’s hoped that Buendia can get back to his best form and be the one to pull the strings in the final third, it’s a gamble to stick with what we have, particularly after the decision to sell Diaby.
Speculation continues to link us with a marquee signing in the form of Joao Felix, but time will tell if that swoop materialises and Emery gets the player who is regarded as his ideal signing for Villa.
Lastly, should Jhon Duran move on as has been widely touted, a striker to take his place could become a priority to ensure we have enough firepower behind Ollie Watkins. Cameron Archer continues to stake his claim during pre-season, and he might be considered a viable alternative to Watkins, if and when he requires a rest or is unavailable, as he offers similar traits and qualities.
However, it’s important to have different solutions and dynamics in every position, and Duran, albeit inconsistently and with plenty of distractions, offers that with his attributes and strengths, and so there could be at least three more signings from Villa between now and the end of the summer transfer window to ensure we have a very competitive squad this year and beyond.