Unai Emery &#8211; CaughtOffside

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Villa may face competition for Felix’s signature after he spent last season on loan at Barcelona, who had seemingly not ruled out bringing him back, even if that hasn’t materialised yet.

The Portugal international has also spent time on loan at Chelsea, but will likely be a lot more expensive than someone like Lo Celso.

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Aston Villa close to points deduction due to PSR rules

Ahad Shaukat — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:29:20 +0000

Former Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness has claimed that Aston Villa could be in danger of a point deduction punishment.

The Premier League club were in trouble regarding the Profit and Sustainability Rules and in order to comply with them, it was important for the club to sell midfielder Douglas Luiz.

After selling the Brazilian international, they were not in danger of crossing the red line.

However, with their expensive signings of Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen, they are back in danger of breaking the rules.

Wyness has claimed that they need to sell more players soon if they are to avoid any scenarios of a potential point deduction.

He told Football Insider:

“It really baffles me.

“They’re really close to the PSR red line, and I’d love to know their secret to make it all work.

“Edens and Sawiris are very aware of where they are financially, but they’ve invested heavily.

“They’ve certainly shown the fans that they want to be competing in the Champions League – not just this season, but for the seasons to come.

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“It’s a great club, I’ve been there – and I’ve got huge respect for the club.

“In my own calculations, they are close to that red line. I think there will have to be some more sales at some stage to make it all work.

“We’ll have to watch this closely – they’re right on the edge.”

It remains to be seen how Aston Villa will deal with this situation and which players they would consider selling in order to generate funds.

The club have done well on and off the pitch and under the leadership of manager Unai Emery, they have managed to surprise fans and rivals with their performances.

They cannot afford a point deduction punishment as that would ruin all the brilliant work they have done in the last twelve months.

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Future of Unai Emery favourite under threat after Aston Villa man’s surprise decision

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:27:08 +0000

Unai Emery will be preparing his Aston Villa side for what could be a vintage campaign in 2024/25.

The Villains will take part in the Champions League for the first time since they were involved in the competition in 1982, when it was known as the European Cup.

Peter Withe provided the club with arguably its greatest ever moment by scoring the winner in the final against Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich.

Unai Emery favourite could find his time limited in 2024/25

Emery would need to work all of his magic for the Midlands-based outfit to come anywhere close to getting to the final again this time around, though with him being an expert in European cup football, one can’t bet against the Villains surprising a few people.

Domestically, Emery’s side were brilliant to watch last season, and the Spaniard will surely be hoping for the same hard work and application despite the extra load his players will have to cope with.

Unai Emery will hope for another successful campaign with Aston Villa

One player that could find his place under threat is Emery favourite, Alex Moreno.

Transfermarkt note that the left-back played in 29 games in all competitions for Aston Villa in 2023/24, and with Lucas Digne thought to be on the move to Galatasaray, it would’ve given the 31-year-old the chance to be in direct competition with Ian Maatsen for the slot on the left side of defence.

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However, as The Athletic (subscription required), Digne has turned down the move to the Turkish giants, and whilst the outlet note that there is still interest in the Frenchman’s services, he’s now expected to stay at Villa Park.

With three weeks left of the transfer window, Digne’s decision may prompt Moreno to consider his options as, injuries notwithstanding, he’s unlikely to get too much of a look in.

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Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano provides update on ambitious Aston Villa transfer target

Mark Brus — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:32:09 +0000

Aston Villa remain interested in a potential transfer move for Atletico Madrid misfit Joao Felix this summer as his future remains somewhat up in the air.

According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing, Romano explained that Villa manager Unai Emery is a big fan of Felix, though the Portugal international’s future is still not close to be resolved.

Felix has had a difficult few years, having first fallen out of favour with Atletico before then going out on loan to Chelsea and Barcelona, with neither loan spell going particularly well.

Chelsea chose not to keep Felix, while Barca have also so far not brought him back, so that could mean there’s an opportunity for Villa, even if it seems like an ambitious deal to get done.

Joao Felix is a target for Unai Emery at Aston Villa

Villa look like a team going places under Emery, and a big name like Felix would be another strong addition if they can pull it off, though it seems this is not imminent right now.

Felix transfer: Romano’s update on ambitious Villa target

“Joao Felix’s future remains undecided and there were some reports that he could be part of the Julian Alvarez deal, though my understanding was that Manchester City were always likely to sell Alvarez without any other player being involved. Felix was never a target for Man City, they have different ideas – they respect him as a player of course, but they have different plans for this window,” Romano said.

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“With Felix, keep an eye on Aston Villa because the appreciation from Villa Park is still there – Unai Emery really loves Felix as a player. It’s still not decided where Felix will go next, it’s not being decided now, but I wanted to clarify that he was not part of the Alvarez negotiations.

“So, the Felix story is not closed yet, and at the moment Atletico are obviously busy with other deals, so we’ll see again in the next few days if the Felix situation will be discussed and what it could mean for his future. Villa are still there, but it’s not time for a breakthrough in this deal just yet.”

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Valid reason why Unai Emery will allow Aston Villa keeper to move to Spanish club

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:44:13 +0000

It’s set to be another high pressure, high octane season for Unai Emery and Aston Villa.

A first Champions League campaign for over four decades will pile the pressure on the first-team squad who will want to come charging out of the blocks from the first fixture against West Ham United.

Fellow Spaniard, Julen Lopetegui, will clearly want to win his first game in charge at the London Stadium, so two teams that are primed to attack should produce one of the better games of the opening weekend of 2024/25.

Clever move by Unai Emery which will benefit Villa

Ahead of that match a week on Saturday, there is still transfer business for Monchi to undertake, whether that be more incomings or, as in the case of James Wright, outgoings.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), the 19-year-old keeper is going to be loaned out to Spanish third tier outfit, Real Union, for the forthcoming campaign.

Aston Villa are set to benefit from a clever move by Unai Emery.

It’s a canny move by Unai Emery for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it will give the highly-rated youngster regular match time and experience, which will be of obvious benefit to Villa in the longer term.

Secondly, Real Union is owned by Unai Emery, so not only will the club, based in Irun in the Basque Country, get some excellent young talent at their disposal and potentially make Emery’s club better in the short to medium term, Emery will know that when the players return to Villa, they’ll be in much better shape to challenge for a first-team spot.

It’s certainly clever business by all concerned, and hints at a bright future for the Villains with a sustainable way of working.

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Sources: Aston Villa pushing hard to land Unai Emery’s dream target

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 04:48:26 +0000

Although it isn’t an easy deal to do by any means, CaughtOffside sources indicate that Aston Villa are still pushing to get a move for Unai Emery’s dream target over the line.

With a Champions League campaign ahead in 2024/25 as well as domestic commitments, it could be quite the season for the Villains, however, if they want it to ultimately be a successful one, then they need players that can take them to the next level.

Atletico Madrid’s want away striker, Joao Felix, is one such player.

Aston Villa still trying for Joao Felix

The Portuguese isn’t wanted at the Rojiblancos, and despite initial reports suggesting that he would return to Barcelona on loan, it appears that the Catalans have turned their attentions elsewhere.

CaughtOffside sources can confirm that Felix has already held talks with Emery, and has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, thus strengthening the Spaniard’s hand in terms of bringing negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins, the Portuguese can provide the impetus up front for Villa to propel them forward.

Aston Villa are pushing to sign Joao Felix

However, one area where he would need to improve significantly is in his work rate. That he’s still considered something of an enigma says much.

Though Villa can be considered to have the edge in the race to land Felix, his former club, Benfica, have also entered the fray, initiating talks with Atleti regarding a potential loan deal.

Given that the Spanish giants would prefer a straight sale, they’re likely to baulk at any offers to take the player on loan, though if that remains the only option open to them, they may be forced to allow it on the basis that they could ensure any loan comes with a compulsory purchase in 12 months time.

Villa plan to sell Jhon Duran to finance their move for Joao Felix, however, their own asking price of around the £40m mark has seen what was expected to be a smooth transfer to West Ham for Duran hit the buffers.

So, at present, even though CaughtOffside sources understand that Villa are willing to offer Felix a four year deal, they can’t complete on the move simply because they’re unable to finance it.

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Aston Villa receive boost in Joao Felix chase following Emery meeting

CJ — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:27:40 +0000

Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Joao Felix this summer have been given a boost after the forward held talks with Unai Emery and Monchi, according to reports.

The Portugal international — who represented his country at Euro 2024 this summer — spent last season at Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid, notching 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.

Felix hasn’t played for Atletico since January 2023, shortly before he joined Chelsea on a six-month loan, and with player and club having a tense relationship, there’s little chance he will wear the red and white jersey again.

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old but could face competition from Felix’s former club, Benfica.

However, according to a report from TBR, Villa have the upper hand with manager Emery and managing director of professional football Monchi already holding talks with Felix, who is said to be keen on a move to the Midlands club, who will play Champions League football in 2024/25.

Any permanent deal for Felix won’t come cheap with his latest contract — signed in January 2023 — running until June 2029, while the forward currently earns just shy of £98,000 per week according to Capology.

Villa have already had a busy summer preparing for their Champions League adventure, signing the likes of Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Cameron Archer from Everton, Chelsea and Sheffield United, respectively.

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Double Champions League winner set for shock Villa move as Emery works his magic again

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:12:41 +0000

Unai Emery is clearly taking Aston Villa’s foray into the Champions League as seriously as you would expect, with a number of high quality signings already secured.

Jaden Philogene, Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana are three of those already through the doors at Villa Park, with more expected before the 2024/25 season gets underway in earnest.

The associated strain on the squad that six group games will bring in the opening half of the campaign can’t be underestimated, and that hints at why Emery and director of football operations, Monchi, are working overtime in order to bring in the standard of player needed to keep the Villains competitive.

Emery to secure Double Champions League winner?

Spanish outlet, Mundo Deportivo, note that the club are pushing ahead with a bid to secure Barcelona’s long-serving double Champions League winner, Sergi Roberto, on a free transfer.

Roberto, 32, has somewhat surprisingly seen his legendary Barcelona career come to an end with a whimper this summer.

A double Champions League winner will sign for Aston Villa if Unai Emery gets his way

It was believed that the club captain would secure another short-term deal with the club he’s been with his entire professional career, but nothing has been forthcoming from the Catalans.

To that end, it’s understood that Roberto is now considering his options, the most favourable of which would seem to be to Villa at present.

If Emery is able to get a deal over the line, it would be a massive coup for the club.

Despite his advancing years, Roberto’s versatility and experience could be key to the Villains relative success in Europe.

It would also show the rest of the Premier League that the club are continuing to build something special under the current management team and, if they’re able to retain all of their big names too, 2024/25 could end up being a vintage season for all concerned.

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Aston Villa want to keep player who started ten Premier League games last season amid interest from La Liga

Charlie Patrick — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 12:01:17 +0000

Aston Villa left back Alex Moreno is attracting interest from Villarreal, Valencia and Seville according to Football Insider.

Villa have been busy in the window and have made a number of signings as they look to strengthen Unai Emery’s squad ahead of Champions League football next season.

The most recent arrival was midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a deal worth £50m, whilst the likes of Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene and Ross Barkley have all arrived.

Moreno attracting interest from La Liga

It isn’t just about incomings at Villa Park and a number of players are also expected to leave the club to help balance the books.

Villa have already sold club record signing Moussa Diaby to Saudi side Al-Ittihad after just one season at the club and it now appears Moreno is heading towards the exit door.

Moreno started ten Premier League games last season.

Moreno joined Villa from Spanish side Real Betis in January 2023, but he played second fiddle to Lucas Digne last season and the arrival of Maatsen has seemingly pushed the Spaniard further down the pecking order, and it would appear he’s now third choice at left back.

According to Football Insider Moreno is keen on a return to La Liga with the likes of Villarreal, Seville and Valencia all interested in his services.

The reports also adds that Villa are trying to persuade the 31-year-old to stay at the club, but could be forced to sell him if he pushes for a move away.

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