Aston Villa weigh Bogarde deal and Ozcan pathway
Right-back Andres Garcia suffers a fresh hamstring issue in training and will have scans, leaving Matty Cash as first choice with Lamare Bogarde potential cover amid Villa’s packed league and Europa schedule.
Rob Edwards has lost every game as manager against Villa. Despite recent wobble and injuries, Emery’s side target a vital win at bottom club Wolves to firm up their Champions League position.
Teen forward Bradley Burrowes hits 14 goals and 4 assists this season, scoring in every PL2 and FA Youth Cup game since August. With senior goals drying up, Emery may consider minutes for the 17-year-old.
Villa move to extend Lamare Bogarde after standout displays. The 22-year-old’s 88% passing, clean sheet v Brighton at right-back and FA Cup impact at Tottenham back fresh terms, with Tielemans also flagged.
John McGinn says Auston Trusty’s red for grappling v Hibs was harsh, citing similar incidents like Youssef Chermiti’s. The Villa captain feels such calls change games ahead of Rangers vs Celtic.
Report says Sancho, on loan at Aston Villa from Man United, would welcome a return to Borussia Dortmund as a free agent, despite recent brighter spells under Unai Emery at Villa Park.
Villa track NEC Nijmegen’s Başar Önal, a versatile 21-year-old shining at left wing-back with 5 goals and 7 assists. Atletico also keen, but a Premier League move could tempt him despite a 2028 contract.
Villa avoid Premier League PSR breach or points deduction but face another UEFA fine for exceeding the 70% squad cost rule, keeping summer transfers constrained unless sales or wage tweaks are made.
Iago Aspas recalls 45-minute video sessions at Sevilla under Unai Emery, saying some players ‘would fall asleep’. Despite criticism, he notes Emery’s excellent career as Villa push for Champions League.
Teen defender Yasin Ozcan has barely played on loans at Anderlecht and Besiktas. Villa are urged to keep him at Bodymoor Heath next season for Under-21s development under Unai Emery rather than more bench time.
Morgan Rogers praised but urged to improve duels, dribbles and passing after one goal in five. Villa need the No 27 firing to bolster Champions League push, starting at Wolves then Chelsea and Man United.
