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Pre-season is fast approaching ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and Aston Villa’s squad is beginning to take shape. Not much transfer business has taken place just yet but several players have departed at the end of their contracts and loans and many deals are in the works, both for ins and outs.
Villa have managed to escape their concerns regarding the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) but still need to focus on reducing their wage bill to meet the demands of UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR). Several high-earning players could leave in the coming weeks to facilitate that, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez and Leon Bailey among those linked with moves away.
Once the SCR situation is resolved, Unai Emery can begin to look at improving his squad. The Villans still won’t be able to go gung-ho with new additions but Monchi and Emery will have a bit more freedom to address what the squad needs. Villa want to be in the fight for Champions League football again, after all, while a decent run in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cup competitions will be targeted as Emery eyes his first trophy as Villa boss.
Who could come and who could go this summer, then? Well, so much is still up in the air but we here at Birmingham World have taken a deep dive into the likeliest sales and signings. With that in mind, click through the pages to see how Villa’s squad could shape up for the 2025/26 season – as well as explanations for each and every player listed.
5. Andres Garcia
Hoping to make a proper breakthrough into the first team following a stop-start first campaign at Villa Park, Garcia will be pushing Cash for a spot in the lineup. A big 12 months awaits Garcia, who Villa are delighted with so far. | Getty Images
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6. Ezri Konsa
The new England international was arguably the first defensive name on the team sheet for much of last term and he’s bound to be next season, too. Konsa, who can play at centre-back or right-back, hardly ever drops below a seven out of 10. | Getty Images
7. Pau Torres
Albeit out of form since returning from his broken metatarsal injury, Pau remains an important player. Emery loves having a left-sided centre-half who can play out from the back and Pau is one of the best in the business when he’s got confidence. | Getty Images
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8. IN: Andreas Christensen
A potential new centre-back signing for Villa is Christensen, who is reportedly set to leave Barcelona. The Denmark international, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, is reportedly available for just £10 million and can play on either side. | Getty Images