Aston Villa need to win both their remaining Premier League fixtures to seal a return to the Champions League next season.
This is the aim for Unai Emery, especially as a seat at the top table will allow him to sign better quality players for the club this summer.
It promises to be another exciting transfer window at Villa Park. Will there be any major sales in the coming months? And just what type of player can the manager bring to Villa?
Aston Villa looking to sign Premier League youngster
With Villa now confirmed a place in Europe for next season, perhaps they may just be able to entice Kevin De Bruyne to move to the Midlands.
Indeed, reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Villans have held internal talks over whether to make a move for the legendary Belgian. Should they not do so, then perhaps this player could be a fine alternative.
Transfer Focus
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According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are one of the leading top-flight clubs that are plotting a move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott this summer.
Arne Slot may part ways with the Englishman this summer, who has made just 15 appearances in the top flight for the club this term.
He could be available for a fee of between £40m and £50m, which should be affordable for Villa following their exploits in Europe this season.
Wolves, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Bournemouth are all closely monitoring his progress ahead of the transfer window opening, indicating Villa have plenty of competition.
It would be a smart move to bring him to the Midlands, especially as Elliott has yet to hit his peak years as a player.
Why Harvey Elliott could be Jack Grealish 2.0 for Aston Villa
Grealish is arguably the finest academy talent the club have produced in their modern history. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the club before sealing a £100m move to Manchester City in the summer of 2021.
He may have won plenty of trophies at City, but Grealish’s career has certainly stagnated after an underwhelming season under Pep Guardiola.
Like Grealish was, Elliott is a prodigal young English talent who has the capability to go far in the game.
The 22-year-old is fluid across a range of positions, being able to perform well either on the right wing or in a slightly deeper role at the heart of the midfield.
As such, his output in front of goal isn’t as impressive as Grealish – who tends to operate on the left flank – but Elliott does offer a lot of qualities.
Goals
0
Assists
1
Big chances created
1
Total duels won
0.5
Successful dribbles per game
0.2
Shots per game
0.9
Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the youngster ranks in the top 1% for shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.
Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.
Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes and carries, suggesting that he loves to bring the ball forward from deep into the final third, just as Grealish did so well at his boyhood club.
It is perhaps no wonder he was dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch last season and while things may not have gone his way during the current term, he will end up with another Premier League medal for his efforts.
A fresh start is what he requires to take the next step in his career. Emery might well be the ideal manager for the job.
Aston Villa struck gold on "unstoppable" star whose value has risen £75m
Aston Villa could soon sell on this star for way more than his original price.
1 ByKelan SarsonMay 12, 2025
