Aston Villa edge 4-3 as Martinez shines, Dumfries pursuit advances
Ex-Villa winger Jaden Philogene is driving Ipswich’s promotion bid with 11 goals and 2 assists in 2025/26. Sold in January 2025 for about £20m, he could face Villa if Town go up.
Villa are pushing to sign Inter’s Denzel Dumfries for a relatively low fee. The 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee would add Champions League experience and a ‘colossal’ presence at right-back.
Villa launch a giveaway for a 2025/26 home shirt signed by Morgan Rogers, who has scored 12 this season. Entries close at 4pm BST on Thursday, April 23.
Wolves’ relegation is confirmed. Villa, chasing the Champions League, avoid a 2026/27 trip to Molineux, where they have struggled in recent years, including this season’s 2-0 defeat.
Villa are ready to bid €50m for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and offer a huge wage. Barça could be tempted by profit from a homegrown sale, though Balde prefers to stay. His contract runs to 2028.
Villa confirm fast-tracked Villa Park redevelopment to 52,500. The North Stand will shut for the 2026/27 season, cutting capacity by around 5,000. The club cite cost savings, less disruption and 2028 Euros hosting plans.
Villa could have a £40m bid accepted for a Premier League star, aiming to repeat the Watkins-style coup, as the club target further squad upgrades after years of struggle.
Martinez’s late save proved vital in Villa’s 4-3 win over Sunderland after Watkins’s brace and Rogers scored, before Abraham’s 93rd-minute winner. Defensive frailties persist, but Champions League push continues.
Villa have already made moves for Lens centre-back Samson Baidoo, 22, likened to Raphael Varane. Inter, Dortmund and Juventus also interested, with Juve boosted by links to agent Meissa N’diaye.
Villa plan to waive the €25m option to buy Douglas Luiz after his loan return, seeking new terms with Juventus, possibly a fresh loan with obligation in 2027 to reflect his recent struggles.
Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool admire Juventus’ Khephren Thuram. Juve plan a renewal to 2029 with a pay rise, but Villa have ties via agent Meissa N’diaye, who also represents Boubacar Kamara.
