Aston Villa still have time to build some momentum after starting their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a disappointing goalless draw at home to Newcastle this weekend
It's been a testing summer for Aston Villa. Their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign have been overshadowed by uncertainty, frustration, and financial strain - casting something of a gloomy cloud over Villa Park.
Under Unai Emery, Villa's trajectory has been unmistakably upward. But with their resources pushed to the limit, there's a growing fear that momentum could stall - or even slip into reverse.
There are, however, reasons to be optimistic. Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, both the subject of heavy interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, look set to remain in claret and blue. And one or two additions could be made before the window closes.
With just two weeks of the market left, Emery faces a delicate balancing act. Saturday's opening day stalemate against Newcastle underlined the need for reinforcements, yet with the club's precarious PSR position, any investment must be carefully measured.
Here, Mirror Football examines the key priorities Emery must address to ignite Villa's season, lift the cloud of uncertainty, and mount another push for Europe - with an eye on reclaiming their place among the continent's elite.
Get Asensio deal done
Villa are on the verge of sealing a permanent deal for PSG ace Marco Asensio in a move that could prove excellent value for money. The club are reportedly preparing a £13million offer for the 29-year-old Spaniard.
He impressed during a loan stint at Villa Park in the second half of last season, notching eight goals and an assist. That's a savvy, cut-price piece of business for a player who will need no introduction to his team-mates, having already played alongside most of them.
Personal terms have already been agreed, with Asensio keen on leaving PSG after falling out of favour under manager Luis Enrique. This signing would align perfectly with Villa's need for experienced attacking depth, especially in wide areas where creativity has occasionally waned.
Asensio's versatility and proven quality, particularly at Real Madrid, make him an ideal fit for Emery's fluid system, potentially easing the burden on players like Morgan Rogers. The prospective deal has been facilitated by the £40m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, freeing up funds without breaching PSR limits.
Pushing this over the line before the window slams shut would not only boost squad morale but also send a clear message about Villa's ambition as a club with European football in their crosshairs. Competition from clubs like Benfica and Fenerbahce has waned, giving Villa a clear path. Now it's about getting the paperwork finalised and reintegrating him as quickly as possible.
Tie Tielemans down
Securing a contract extension for Youri Tielemans should also be a top priority for Villa, with the Belgian midfielder entering the final two years of his current deal, which is set to expire in 2027. Discussions are imminent, with Villa recognising his pivotal role in the team, where his vision and composure have seen him become one of the best free transfers in the club's recent history.
Tielemans, whose market value stands at roughly £33m, has rediscovered his best form under Emery and extending his stay would not only fend off interest from potential suitors, but also send a strong internal message that good form will be rewarded.
Alongside captain John McGinn, who's also in line for a new offer, Tielemans represents the heartbeat of Villa's midfield. A fresh deal would not only reward his consistency but also stabilise the team amid transfer uncertainties, allowing Emery to build around proven performers rather than scrambling for replacements.
Raise funds
Aston Villa's financial tightrope walk under PSR demands strategic player sales to generate funds and trim the wage bill. With £40m coming in via Ramsey's sale to Newcastle, Villa aren't in a desperate position, but more outgoings may be essential if they want to boost the squad with some more fresh faces.
Leon Bailey, whose four-year spell in the West Midlands has been blighted by inconsistency, is on Roma's radar. A loan deal with an option to buy - rather than a permanent transfer - seems most likely, which would help Villa ease some pressure on their wage bill.
Emi Martinez has also been linked with a move away, though nothing concrete has emerged. As one of the club's highest earners, selling him could free up significant funds for transfers and wages. Yet retaining Martinez also carries a financial upside, sparing Villa the cost of recruiting a replacement.
Leander Dendoncker is another who could be offloaded. He's currently in talks with Real Oviedo, and while there isn't expected to be a transfer fee, his departure will help trim the wage bill.
Keep hold of Rogers
Despite persistent interest from Premier League rivals, Villa must resist any temptation to sell Morgan Rogers. Chelsea had Rogers high on their transfer wish list, but were ultimately put off by Villa's £100m asking price.
While raising funds is vital, offloading Rogers would undermine the squad's attacking cohesion, and result in Villa losing one of the most dynamic talents to have played for the club in recent years. His energy and creativity are, in many ways, priceless - which should make him untouchable amid PSR pressures.
Rogers signed a contract extension back in November, but Villa are reportedly preparing a new deal - one that reflects his importance to the side. Holding firm here will no doubt pay dividends given his immense quality and will be central to preserving the team's upward momentum.