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.
