Aston Villa are 12th in the Premier League standings as the World Cup plays out in Qatar and they sit just three points outside the top seven, but the season is still seen as a bit of a disappointing one for many. Before new manager Unai Emery took charge, Villa were narrowly above the relegation zone and had just three wins in 13 matches, but there has been quite the resurgence.
Two successive league victories before club football was paused - against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United - saw the Villans soar up the standings. Nonetheless, Emery’s side are still a little way off where they hoped to be at the start of the campaign, as plenty of supporters tipped them to challenge for European football.
In order to get closer to the club’s aims, Emery is likely to dip his toes into the transfer market this January, and he may also say farewell to a few players as he looks to implement his own playing style. Having taken over at Villa Park in early November, the Spaniard has now had just over a month to assess the current crop and he is likely getting closer to deciding which positions need improving.
It has been widely reported that Emery is keen to bring in a marquee signing to bolster the Villans’ forward line, but this most probably won’t be the only incoming. As is the nature of bringing in fresh faces, some individuals will have to depart to make way. With that in mind, here are the 10 players who are the likeliest to depart Villa in the January transfer window.
1. Philippe Coutinho
Currently out with a thigh injury, Coutinho is yet to have the chance to play a match under Emery. The manager is keen on signing a new inside forward, though, and Coutinho was well out of sorts even before his injury. He will need to impress quickly, otherwise a departure could well be on the cards.
2. Cameron Archer
With so many options available up front, it is no wonder why Archer is struggling to get any minutes. He has shown signs of real promise and could do with a loan move away to develop. There are plenty of Championship teams with reported interest.
3. Jed Steer
While he was incredibly unfortunate to suffer a long-term Achilles’ tendon injury, and it is great to see him finally back from that issue, it is unlikely Steer will get much of a look in at Villa. His contract is up in the summer so he could leave then, but January could be a better time to part ways for the better of his career.
4. Marvelous Nakamba
The Zimbabwe international hasn’t made a single senior appearance for Villa across any competition this campaign, despite being a regular starter in seasons gone by. There is no sign of that changing under Emery, and it would make sense if Nakamba were to leave soon.