Aston Villa watch Emi Martinez amid Europa League final and transfer noise
Villa eye Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara after scouting Wilfried Singo. A €40m bid likely needed, with Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham and Atlético Madrid also keen. Sara, 26, has 42 apps and 11 goal contributions.
Villa have lost only once on a Friday since 2022-23, with wins over West Ham, Cardiff and Tottenham noted. Liverpool also enjoy Fridays, but Emery can take belief into the Villa Park clash.
Ross Barkley earns about £60k a week at Villa. Coventry and Fulham are eyeing him, with Fulham able to match wages. Coventry may need to stretch budget for the 32-year-old’s Premier League experience.
With Emi Martinez linked away, Villa eye Man City’s James Trafford and line up Ligue 1 options Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes as alternatives, assessing saves, distribution and contract details.
Francois Letexier will referee Aston Villa vs Freiburg in the Europa League final. With his high card rate, Emi Martinez is urged to curb his antics to avoid bookings and stay influential in Istanbul.
Brazil FA expect Alisson to return for Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa or vs Brentford. The 33-year-old has 13 clean sheets this season amid Juventus interest, but will reclaim his place when fit.
Villa have held talks to sign Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, with the Gunners open to a transfer in the next window.
Ex-Millwall keeper Bryan King tips £25m-£30m bids for Femi Azeez and urges Villa to move. The winger had 11 goals, 7 assists for Millwall after a third-place finish and play-off loss to Hull.
Piece argues Morgan Rogers is a ‘luxury’ for Villa: 14 PL goal contributions but 35% dribble success, most dispossessions and unsuccessful touches, amid rumours a summer exit could suit both parties.
Real Unión president Igor Emery and SD Mikel Bengoa visited Villa Park to align on loans and transfers. Villa’s partnership aids youth development, with Primera RFEF loans highlighted as beneficial.
Villa Park’s stadium tour wins 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice, ranked top thing to do in Birmingham with 4.8/5 from ~2,000 reviews. Tours pause until August 2026 due to off-season access limits.
