Aston Villa’s best new starting XI and subs if the transfer rumours are true - including £82.5m trio

By Charlie Haffenden

Published 29th Jun 2024, 08:45 BST

Aston Villa are expected to have a busy transfer window as they prepare for the Champions League.

Unai Emery will be keen to add depth and quality to his squad ahead of next season, with Villa eager to go far in the Champions League while establishing themselves in the Premier League top four.

Last campaign was simply extraordinary as the Villans finished ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United to qualify for Europe’s most elite competition. Villa also reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, achieving great success despite suffering several injury woes.

Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia will feel like new signings upon their returns from serious anterior cruciate ligament knee issues, but Villa will want to recruit fresh faces altogether. Business is already being conducted as several deals are expected to be finalised this week.

Villa can also spend a lot more freely now as they have been relieved of concerns over the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Speculation is rife and plenty of reports have accuracy to them, so how could Villa line up in 2024/25 if the rumours do indeed prove true?

Only including the most credible links and taking into account current injuries, here’s the starting XI and substitutes Emery could name away at West Ham United on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

The world’s number one is Villa’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and he’ll remain so with no credible links away from the club.

1. GK: Emiliano Martinez

The world’s number one is Villa’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and he’ll remain so with no credible links away from the club. | AFP via Getty Images

Kayode has recently been the subject of a £12.7 million bid from Villa, as per reports in Italy. It’s expected that a fee of £20 million will be enough to secure the Fiorentina wonderkid’s services. He’d slot right in.

2. RB: Michael Kayode

Kayode has recently been the subject of a £12.7 million bid from Villa, as per reports in Italy. It’s expected that a fee of £20 million will be enough to secure the Fiorentina wonderkid’s services. He’d slot right in. | Getty Images

Konsa, away with England at the Euros, has been absolutely excellent under Emery. Although Villa have been linked with the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo and Mario Hermoso, surely nobody can replace Konsa on current form.

3. CB: Ezri Konsa

Konsa, away with England at the Euros, has been absolutely excellent under Emery. Although Villa have been linked with the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo and Mario Hermoso, surely nobody can replace Konsa on current form. | Getty Images

The Spaniard, signed last summer for around £32 million, enjoyed an impressive first season in England. Pau, who often drifts to left-back to progress play, remains a major part of Emery’s plans going forward.

4. CB: Pau Torres

The Spaniard, signed last summer for around £32 million, enjoyed an impressive first season in England. Pau, who often drifts to left-back to progress play, remains a major part of Emery’s plans going forward. | Getty Images

Premier League Transfer rumours Champions League Unai Emery

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