Aston Villa

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In the final part of Friday's Aston Villa Q&A, football reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on the club's transfer plans and targets for 2026-27.

Lauren asked: Villa say they are trying to reduce the average age of the squad but also hold interest in players on the wrong side of their 20s. Do they go for a youth approach or stick with a tried-and-tested, ready-made approach?

Nick: It's an interesting one because Unai Emery wants ready-made players who can instantly perform - what manager doesn't? - while Roberto Olabe was brought in as president of sporting operations with a slightly different overall remit.

Of course Olabe wants to deliver for Emery but he joined with the mid to long-term view in mind.

Villa knew they needed to lower the age range and they had the second-highest average squad age in the Premier League last season.

Olabe is here to help change that - the signings of Alysson and Brian Madjo in January point to this. The 'tried-and-tested' approach costs a lot more, of course.

There has needed to be some compromise between Emery and Olabe, but their long-term relationship ensures they are able to do that.

• See Villa's full 2026-27 Premier League fixture list

Martyn asked: Given our financial constraints, both in terms of compliance and revenue, plus the potential re-emergence of Chelsea and Tottenham, what do you think is a realistic league target?

Nick: Emery will demand the top four again and, should Villa achieve that, it will be the game-changer they need. Two successive years of Champions League money would shift the goalposts.

Realistically, we can only start to judge come the end of the window and then won't be able to seriously start assessing until October (I know it sounds boring).

For me, they were a little fortunate last season. The failings of others - Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham - allowed them to take advantage, but Villa were not as consistently good as they were in the previous two campaigns.

The wonderful run before Christmas put them in a position they did not let slip, but just four wins in 16 games from the start of January until the victory over Liverpool that confirmed a top-four place left me feeling at the time they were a little lucky to still be in those positions.

As you mention, will Chelsea and Spurs be as bad this season with new management? Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola, will also be looking to improve so Villa need to raise their game again.

Scroll down this page to read back over the first three parts of Nick's Q&A.

Get Villa score updates on your lock screen in 2026-27

We have been asking you questions about Aston Villa all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...

First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?

Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Jadon Sancho, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.

And secondly, is there a player Villa are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?

Get in touch with your views here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Aston Villa players are still chasing World Cup glory - even if some have suffered disappointment.

Ezri Konsa has started every game for England so far to help them into the last 16.

The defender is preparing for the Three Lions clash with Mexico on Monday along with Villa team-mates Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

Watkins came off the bench in the win over Panama, which Rogers started, while Rogers also came off the bench against Croatia and Ghana as England topped Group L.

Youri Tielemans was Belgium's hero against Senegal on Wednesday to book a last 16 game against co-hosts USA.

The midfielder scored the 89th-minute leveller as Belgium came from 2-0 down with four minutes left to send the tie into extra time.

He then converted a nerveless penalty in the 120th minute to send the Red Devils through. Amadou Onana also came off the bench having started their first game against Egypt.

Emi Martinez and holders Argentina will expect to reach the last 16 when they face Cape Verde at 23:00 BST on Friday.

Martinez played in all of their Group J games, with the defending champions winning all three and topping the group.

Captain John McGinn scored Scotland's only goal of their World Cup - their first since 1998 - when his deflected strike earned a 1-0 win over Haiti, but they still failed to qualify from Group C.

Victor Lindelof captained Sweden to an opening 5-1 win over Tunisia but Graham Potter's side were eventually knocked out in the last 32 by France, losing 3-0.

Evann Guessand came off the bench twice for the Ivory Coast as they bowed out in the last 32 to Norway.

The forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, made late substitute appearances against Germany and Norway, with the Elephants losing 2-1 on Tuesday.

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In part three of Friday's special Aston Villa Q&A, football reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on the future of three players - Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

James asked: What is the situation with Konsa and Watkins?

Nick: Konsa remains one of Villa's most important players, even if he does not get the headlines of Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn, Rogers or Watkins.

There is no desire to sell the defender, especially with the possibility of other key departures, and Villa would be foolish to let him go anyway.

In terms of Watkins, he turns 31 later this year and Villa have been over-reliant on him, so there does need to be succession planning, even though he has kept delivering.

Tammy Abraham offered support but not the goal return after joining from Besiktas. He still has more to prove since coming back to Villa Park.

It would be a surprise to see Watkins leave - he just needs more help.

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Pete asked: With the sell-on clause to Middlesbrough, surely only a British record transfer fee for Rogers would bring Villa to the table at least?

Nick: Villa do not want to lose Rogers, a player who has become one of the best in the Premier League under Unai Emery.

When he joined from Boro two and a half years ago, he was not even guaranteed a starting spot at the Riverside - now he is with England at the World Cup.

The sell-on is 20% on the profit, but that is still a hefty figure given Rogers cost £16m (now all add-ons have been paid) and Villa will demand over £100m, with the possibility of a record fee for an English player.

However, selling players is the easiest way to comply with the financial regulations which hang around Villa's neck and have become so integral to their planning.

Come back to this page later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A. And remember, this is your Aston Villa page so bookmark it and come back for analysis, news, stats and fan views.

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In the second part of a special Aston Villa Q&A, our reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on squad depth and the club's financial problems.

Adam asked: What do we expect to happen with some of the fringe players such as Evan Guessand, Tammy Abraham, Lamare Bogarde and Leon Bailey.

Nick: Villa don't have a lot of wiggle room in their squad and they need to beef it up as it is.

Guessand and Bailey are certainly players who can leave if there is an opportunity, but the market will dictate. Villa may find it hard to move fringe players on who are on big money, especially those who may not have impressed last season.

Bailey struggled with injuries at Roma, although their training schedule was not helpful to him, and Guessand's loan at Crystal Palace was underwhelming, again a lot down to injury.

There is interest in Bogarde and he could leave but no decision has been made - although he made 44 appearances last season and was a useful utility player.

Abraham didn't make the impact some may have expected but, while Villa are looking for a new striker, he can still be useful for Unai Emery.

• Explore Villa content on BBC Sounds

Gale asked: Is the budget totally reliant on sales or is there wiggle room?

Nick: Villa do not have much wiggle room, especially as they have to comply with an agreement with Uefa over what they can spend.

Last summer, Villa were found guilty of breaching Uefa's squad cost rule and fined £9.5m, but they also had to agree to a three-year plan.

On Tuesday, they were fined £19.4m for another breach, although £12.9m is suspended, depending on the club continuing to significantly decrease their squad-cost ratio in 2026.

Because of last year's plan agreed with Uefa, in 2026-7 the club must "have a maximum football earnings deficit of 0m euros for the reporting period ending in 2027".

So Villa need to break even, which naturally puts more of a strain on the transfer business.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts three and four of Nick's Q&A, which will look at subjects including whether Villa will keep their stars and the club's target for next season.

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We asked you to send in your Aston Villa questions for our reporter Nick Mashiter. In the first part of a special Q&A, he focuses on Emiliano Martinez's future and where the club will look to improve this summer transfer window.

George asked: Will Martinez leave this summer?

Nick: It remains a possibility. The market is slow because of the World Cup and will pick up speed towards the end of the month.

Villa have been open to selling Martinez. Although they have no concerns over his performances, as one of the higher earners and turning 34 in September (yet hardly old for a goalkeeper), it would fit in with lowering the wage bill and the age bracket.

There are options. James Trafford is wanted and Parma's Zion Suzuki is on the list of replacements, but with no agreement struck with Juventus for Martinez, nothing can progress yet.

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David asked: Where do you think Villa will be improving this summer?

Nick: Villa want a right-back who could also cover at centre-back, at least one winger, a striker, a goalkeeper - if Martinez goes - and are looking at their left-back options.

They want more physicality at left-back so one of Ian Maatsen or Lucas Digne could leave.

Whether they get everything they want remains to be seen. The market is likely to be condensed again this summer because of the World Cup and it will be a very busy last few weeks of the window.

Champions League football undoubtedly helps attract players and ex-Tottenham defender Emerson Royal and Paris St Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye are options.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts two, three and four of Nick's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Villa's financial constraints, how they will will retain star players and potential outgoings to look out for.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a shock target for Fenerbahce. (Sun), external

Arsenal are interested in signing Villa defender Ezri Konsa this summer. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland all asking about the 25-year-old's availability. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Unai Emery's assistant coach Pako Ayestaran and individual performance coach Antonio Rodriguez Saravia are to leave Aston Villa.

Both have been part of Emery's coaching staff since the Spaniard's appointment in November 2022.

Ayestaran will be replaced by Jose Maria Sanz, who was the former assistant manager to Paul Heckingbottom and Slavisa Jokanovic at Sheffield United between 2021 and 2022, and before that Valencia.

A statement on Villa's X account reads: "Both Pako and Rodri will always remain hugely popular at Aston Villa and everyone at the club would like to thank them for their service as well as wishing them all the very best for the future."

Belgium secured their place in last-16 at the World Cup after beating Senegal 3-2 on Wednesday.

Youri Tielemans' winning penalty for Belgium was the latest goal ever scored in World Cup history (124:44).

Watch the full highlights below.

Aston Villa are interested in Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, and are preparing a £15m bid. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Elijah: Trossard because he is very fast, good at shooting and if Rogers leaves then he could be a great replacement.

Mayur: I would love to see Villa sign Switzerland's Manzambi. I noticed how good he was playing for Freiburg in last season's Europa League run to the final and he's shown the world now. Snap him up Emery, he's a perfect number 10 for us.

Matt: The Japanese goalkeeper Suzuki looks a good shot stopper and controls the area well.

Prit: Hands down, Villa need to do what it takes to get Switzerland and Freiburg's Johan Manzambi to Villa Park. He was Freiburg's standout player in the Europa League Final and he has been Switzerland's best player in the World Cup. Unai Emery is the best manager to improve players, just think how much he could improve Manzambi. Please Aston Villa, bring him in.

Jignesh: Give me Senegal's Pape Gueye. He looked excellent at the last Afcon, and even better these last three World Cup games. Unai has the Villarreal connection. Our season nosedived once our midfield got injured, and he has an eye for the spectacular goal from outside of the box - a Villa staple in 25-26!

John: Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, that is if all the Morgan Rogers £100m transfer exit rumours bear any fruit. If Arsenal do make an offer, perhaps Martinelli coming the other way might soften the blow? I think between Gakpo and Martinelli (probable starters for Emery at Villa IMO) there would be £30-45m left over to strengthen the squad. I personally do not want Villa to sell but it would be one player making way for possibly three coming in - and in a Champions League season too with a reduced stadium capacity.

Paul S: Kerim Alajbegovic looks a real future star striker and could be available for not too much money. Ayyoub Bouaddi would help bolster our ageing midfield. Marvin Senaya would strengthen our right back options and Zion Suzuki looks a great replacement or support for Emi Martinez.

Raffi: As a huge fan, I would want to sign Alajbegovic because he's got the pace Villa need on the left. Also, Summerville, despite going out to Morocco he had a standout World Cup with goals and assists and would bring directness to the Villa.

Tell us the players you've scouted so far

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Aston Villa have been fined 22.5m euros (£19.4m) by Uefa for a "significant breach" of its squad-cost rule for 2025.

The Villans will also face a restriction on the registration of new players on their squad list for the Champions League next season.

A large part of the fine - 15m euros (£12.9m) - is suspended, depending on the club continuing to significantly decrease their squad-cost ratio in 2026.

In effect, this is a rollover of a suspended punishment handed to the club last summer.

In July 2025, Villa were fined 11m euros (£9.5m), with a further 15m euros (£12.9m) conditional on compliance in a three-year period.

Three other Premier League clubs have also been given financial penalties for breaching the squad-cost rule.

Chelsea have been fined 3m euros (£2.6m), of which 2m euros (£1.7m) is suspended.

Nottingham Forest must pay 2.5m euros (£2.2m), with Newcastle United to pay 3m euros (£2.6m).

Three of the clubs either sold infrastructure to directly linked companies, or players to associated teams.

This was previously admissible under Premier League rules - it will not be from next season - but not by Uefa regulations.

Chelsea sold Mathis Amougou to Strasbourg for £12m, while Aston Villa sold their women's team.

All four clubs were in Europe last season, and the fines show the difficulties of complying with different rules across two competitions.

Uefa reduced the squad-cost limit from 80% to 70% of a club's income last season, making it more challenging to comply.

The Premier League has introduced its own variation of squad-cost limits, which kicks in from Wednesday.

While clubs playing in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's 70%, the other 11 Premier League teams will be permitted to spend upwards of 85% of income on the playing staff and the manager.

It is under two months until Aston Villa's Premier League campaign gets under way and the Villans will be hoping for a special season as they return to the Champions League.

After winning their first major trophy in 30 years, Unai Emery will be aiming for his side to kick on and cement their status at the top end of the table and create another memorable season in Europe.

But they will be hoping they can do that by holding on to their key players, with star man Morgan Rogers heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

There is clearly plenty to discuss, so our football reporter Nick Mashiter will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.

Put your thinking cap on - what do you want to know about Villa right now?

Get in touch with your question here

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Aston Villa are behind Leeds United in the race to sign 23-year-old Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Serie A side Parma. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, Juventus have added Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to their list of summer targets. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Scotland will have to wait until potentially the early hours of Sunday to find out if their World Cup campaign will continue, but Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn believes it is "unlikely" and head coach Steve Clarke suspects they are "going home".

Knowing a draw would almost certainly be enough to reach the last 32, Steve Clarke's side suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat by Brazil to finish third in Group C.

"We lost poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality," Villa captain McGinn told BBC Sport. "We had a few chances but we've got to wait now.

"The lads are gutted. We fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now. It's unlikely [that we qualify] but we'll wait and see.

"It's a bit raw at the minute but we appreciate the support of the fans - we know it's difficult to be there. Hopefully the journey is not over and if we have to go again, we will go again."

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit for Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Max: Ayyoub Bouaddi [Morocco] has really impressed me. At times we've really missed Boubacar Kamara and Bouaddi looks like he has many similar attributes. I know we seem well stocked in midfield, but we are also injury prone, and with Champions League, we will need a full strength squad. I don't think we will get away with using Lamare Bogarde or Victor Lindelof in that role this season.

Prit: There's a couple of Senegal players that I think Villa could do with. Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG is lacking game time in that team, likewise Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea has never really been wanted by them. Clearly Unai is the master of improving players and he could do with both these players. UTV.

Raffi: I would like Johan Manzambi [Switzerland] because he is a quick, high potential player that would be a long-term investment. Also, Crysencio Summerville [Netherlands] as he has nice footwork and pure pace down the wing. Depending on how he performs for England, I would say Marcus Rashford as he knows Villa and would bring a lot to our team.

Chay: If Emi Martinez is leaving, then I am looking at the Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as a short-term keeper. He has kept Cape Verde in games.

Magnus: Krepin Diatta [Senegal] helped to make France look average for much of the game and can give Kylian Mbappe two yards but still catch him.

Who have you scouted? Tell us

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

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