Aston Villa push for PSG forward as Gomez and Barnes talks develop
Seven years on from the 2019 play-off win over Derby, Villa reflect on promotion’s impact, key figures like Grealish, McGinn and Abraham, and the financial turnaround leading to Europa League glory.
Report claims Palace want free agent-to-be Jadon Sancho. He spent last season on loan at Villa and would like to stay, but wages near £250k a week could be a hurdle.
Stats show Villa ranked 13th for xG, fashioned 87 big chances and averaged 3.6 accurate crosses per game, plus bottom for interceptions. Emery is urged to sharpen pressing and crossing to build on a top-four finish and Europa League win.
Villa unveil 2026/27 adidas home kit with 1960s-inspired design, CLIMACOOL+ tech and glow blue shorts and socks. Launch film features Unai Emery, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa. No front-of-shirt sponsor.
Villa target Harvey Barnes at around £38m as Rogers, valued at £80m, attracts interest. Those moves could leave about £40m to reinvest, with Buendia’s future and Harry Wilson on a free mentioned.
Emi Buendia says a summer talk with Unai Emery and hard work sparked his best Villa season: 11 goals and 9 assists in 54 games after returning from Leverkusen, cementing a key role before Argentina duty.
Villa eye Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who has 1 year left on his deal, and admire his versatility. Besiktas and AC Milan have also monitored him. Emery plans squad upgrades amid interest in £80m-rated Morgan Rogers.
Villa are weighing a move for a forward admired by Unai Emery, with the £200,000-a-week player keen to join.
Report claims Villa lead the race for Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara, with a £35m tag. Norwich could profit via a sell-on, while Emery eyes Champions League squad additions.
Stan Collymore backs Villa to move for Leeds’ Ethan Ampadu, calling him ‘perfect’ amid PSR realities. Leeds aim to tie him down alongside other key contracts.
Villa advance talks to sign PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye for about £35m. The Senegal international, under contract to 2028, made 23 PSG appearances, with 3 goals and 2 assists, and impressed at Afcon.
Spotlight on Villa backups: Marco Bizot’s 14 games and 5 clean sheets in 2025-26, plus past deputies Jed Steer, Michael Oakes and Peter Enckelman who delivered in key spells.
Analyst José Luis Romero hails working at Villa as a ‘dream come true’ after a second Europa League win, praising Unai Emery’s demanding staff and idol Pablo Villa for support and guidance.
