Aston Villa boss Unai Emery emerges as top target for three-time Champions League finalists as shock change mooted

Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid are reported to be planning a radical restructure of the club, which could result in the departure of long-term head coach Diego Simeone come the end of the season with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery mooted as a potential replacement.

Reports from the Spanish capital, relayed by Football Espana, claim that director of football Carlos Bucero is beginning to dilute the influence of the Argentine manager, who has been working at the Metropolitano Stadium since 2011. It has been reported that although Simeone is under contract until 2027, his resignation could be voluntary, agreed upon, or forced, and currently, the focus is not on the club's results, but rather on the overall management policy. 

Simeone has guided Atletico to two La Lia titles, one Copa Del Rey victory and success in the Supercopa de España. He has also lifted two Europa League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and has also reached the Champions League final on two separate occasions. Over the course of nearly 700 games, he has established himself as one of the team’s greatest ever coaches and is currently the longest serving boss in La Liga.

However, at this current moment in time the board believes the team’s financial investment should yield a greater return. Football Espana reports that Bucero is a huge admirer of West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui as well as Spain’s Euro 2024 winning boss Luis de la Fuente. Jurgen Klopp is also appreciated despite his recent self-imposed break from coaching while B team boss and club legend Fernando Torres’ stock is rising after an impressive performance with the team’s youngsters.

However, the top name on Atletico’s list of potential Simeone successors at this time, is believed to be Emery due to his experience of success in Europe and his knowledge of Spanish football. Emery has been in charge of Aston Villa since replacing Steven Gerrard in October 2022 and has inspired a huge upturn in fortunes in the West Midlands. In his first few months, he led Aston Villa from a relegation battle into seventh position, ensuring a return to Europe for the first time since 2009.

A year later he better that achievement by securing a fourth place finish and a return to the Champions League for the first time since 1983.

So far this season, he has managed famous victories over Bayern Munich, Bologna and BSC Young Boys and currently has the Villans in pole position to secure a place in the knockout stages of the competition. In May, he signed a five-year contract extension at Villa Park, which leaves him under contract until 2029.