Aston Villa push transfers as Emerson deal blocked
Pumas expect Pedro Vite to leave after standout World Cup for Ecuador. Villa have identified the versatile midfielder and may bid around €8.7m, but no formal offer has arrived yet.
Sheffield Wednesday sign Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels on a three-year deal. The 22-year-old leaves Villa after limited first-team chances, following a loan at Chesterfield.
Villa’s Ezri Konsa backs England to upset Mexico at altitude, praising Harry Kane and England’s defensive pace, and says the squad are preparing to handle the Azteca conditions.
Tam McManus says Hibs want around £5m for Miguel Chaiwa and will avoid repeating the John McGinn sale to Aston Villa for a low fee, preferring a move to England over selling to Celtic.
Villa seek a new front-of-shirt sponsor after Betano exit. Talks are progressing and an announcement could be soon, with revenue and shirt sales at stake. Visit Rwanda and Audi have been linked.
Assistant Pako Ayestaran departs, with Jose Maria Sanz arriving. His tactical drills and defensive detail aided Matty Cash, whose defensive actions surged in 2025/26. Cash could feel the loss most.
Villa’s €10m move for Emerson Royal collapsed as Flamengo coach Leonardo Jardim vetoed a sale despite the presidency being open, prioritising squad depth over accepting the improved offer.
Emiliano Martinez reveals he skipped surgery on a broken finger to play at the World Cup, saying: ‘I came here really risking it’. He has used a splint and aims to feature despite swelling.
Villa open talks for Toulouse keeper Guillaume Restes as they step up plans for a long-term successor to Emiliano Martínez.
Villa, Newcastle, Everton and Fulham are in for Atalanta striker El Bilal Touré. Fulham lead, while Fenerbahçe push to keep him. Atalanta want around €18m, above his €13m valuation.
Fenerbahce monitor Ollie Watkins but any move is unlikely during the World Cup. Villa hold a strong position with the striker under contract to 2028.
