Aston Villa add Garnacho and Manzambi as Emery shapes squad
Bayern’s Christoph Freund said Joao Palhinha is ‘aware’ he is not in Vincent Kompany’s plans, boosting Villa’s hopes as Bayern remain open to a sale or loan.
Villa’s Garnacho deal is a loan with a conditional obligation to buy, structured to avoid UEFA’s 45-day accounting treatment for swap-style deals. Covering his full wages may be part of the terms.
Johan Manzambi’s £6.0m FPL price appeals, but his Villa role is unclear. He could replace Tielemans deeper or play as a No 10, with patience advised at first.
Emery was told Villa would need to sell to buy again this summer. Despite Champions League qualification, UEFA financial limits have left Villa with the lowest net spend among active Premier League clubs since the start of 2023/24.
Johan Manzambi said Villa can ‘do big things’ after his move, praising Unai Emery and targeting a strong Champions League campaign at Villa Park.
Andy Goldstein mocked Birmingham City's stadium ambitions on talkSPORT, telling Troy Deeney 'Don't be so silly' over any suggestion Blues could overtake Villa.
Villa held serious talks for PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, but his camp rejected Villa Park as they prioritise clubs they believe can challenge for the biggest honours.
Alejandro Garnacho said Unai Emery ‘gave me confidence’ after joining Villa on loan with an obligation to buy, calling Villa Park ‘one of my favourite stadiums’.
Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti said Emi Martinez could ‘probably change club’, fuelling links with Villa’s keeper. Zion Suzuki, Guillaume Restes and Anatoliy Trubin are touted as possible replacements.
Liverpool are considering Ezri Konsa as they seek defensive cover. Villa's defender is admired for his centre-back quality and ability to fill in at right-back.
Villa could hand Luka Lynch another start against Real Sociedad after his goal against Porto, while Leon Bailey may drop out. Emery may again mix senior players with youth.
