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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.
33. OUT: Leander Dendoncker
Still on Villa’s books, Dendoncker will return from his loan at Anderlecht and the club will try and sell him to another club. His move from Wolves really hasn’t turned out as planned. | Getty Images
34. OUT: Enzo Barrenechea
The Argentine has been in superb form on loan at Valencia and could join the La Liga club permanently. If not, there are bound to be plenty of other suitors. | Getty Images
35. OUT: Emiliano Buendia
Coming back after a loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Buendia is the subject of interest from the newly promoted Leeds United. The attacking midfielder could reunite with Daniel Farke, who he worked with at Norwich City. | AFP via Getty Images
36. OUT: Samuel Iling Junior
Signed from Juventus alongside Barrenechea last summer as part of the Douglas Luiz swap deal, Iling Junior has enjoyed a great season on loan at Middlesbrough. Another campaign in the Championship is likely. | Getty Images