Leon Bailey sold, £20m Barcelona star signed: Aston Villa line up next season with six ‘realistic’ transfers

One of the most important summer transfer windows in recent history has begun for Aston Villa, who have so many major decisions to make. Unai Emery wants to make enhancements to his squad but must first navigate troubles with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

It’ll be tricky to achieve, but the intention is to first say farewell to the PSR woes before then improving the overall depth and quality in the first team.

Talks are already reportedly ongoing to sign Lucas Chevalier from LOSC Lille and discussions are understood to be underway to bring in Marco Asensio permanently from Paris Saint-Germain, while the Villans are also eager to sign a new versatile attacker, a central defender and a right-back.

Villa are open to offers for several players this summer, with Emiliano Martinez and Leon Bailey among those who are likeliest to leave the club. Others could depart too, though, as it’s not just PSR that the Villans must deal with but also UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules (SCR). To comply with changes to those regulations, Villa need to reduce their wage bill.

With all of that in mind, Birmingham World has taken a look at six realistic transfers Villa complete this summer, including the likely Martinez and Bailey departures. With new players who fit the current style of play and would fit Emery’s transfer criteria, here is a look at the hypothetical line up for next season.