Aston Villa have already enjoyed a meteoric rise under Unai Emery but the progress isn’t over yet as the Villans look to go further still.
Plenty of new signings are expected as Villa attempt a squad overhaul, adding depth heading into their first European campaign in well over a decade.
Belgium international midfielder Youri Tielemans has already joined on a free transfer from Leicester City, whereas Pau Torres is closing in on a £30 million move from Villarreal.
Those two won’t be the only new faces, however, as Emery still wants a new winger, one more midfielder and a fresh face at right-back.
With all of that in mind, here’s what the Villans’ starting lineup could look like for the 2023/24 campaign if the most concrete rumours are true.
1. GK: Emiliano Martinez
Absolutely no chance that one of the world’s best goalkeepers is replaced by Villa this summer and rumours of a potential departure are well wide of the mark. Martinez is dedicated to winning trophies here.
2. RB: Kyle Walker-Peters (in from Southampton)
Perhaps not an immediate starter ahead of Matty Cash if the Saints man were to join, but would provide top competition. The Villans need a new right-back after Ashley Young’s departure and TEAMtalk claims Walker-Peters is on the shortlist.
3. CB: Pau Torres (in from Villarreal)
Has signed from the Yellow Submarine for a fee in the region of £30 million (£34 million with add-ons) and is sure to make an impact right away. He was widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in Spain and Emery hand-picked him as a new signing.
4. CB: Tyrone Mings
Emery may decide against having two left-footed centre halves and if he does we reckon it’ll be Diego Carlos in this position, but Mings has been simply too exceptional to drop to the bench straight away. He’s also brilliant in the air, which makes up for one of Torres’ few weaknesses.