Aston Villa push to lock in Emery and five key players

Aston Villa are close to securing a new contract for manager Unai Emery and five first‑team players at Villa Park.

Emery's contract talks

John Percy of The Telegraph says negotiations between Emery and chairman Nassef Sawiris are progressing positively, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. Securing Emery’s future is seen as another significant moment in the club’s period of extraordinary progress. Emery guided Villa to Europa League glory in May, keeping the Spaniard central to the club’s ambition of joining Europe’s leading sides.

Since arriving in October 2022, Emery has transformed expectations, introduced a demanding tactical identity and restored the club’s reputation on the European stage. Recent links with Manchester United have attracted attention, but Villa remain confident Emery’s immediate future stays in Birmingham. Emery’s relationship with Sawiris has been fundamental to the club’s development, and a new agreement would provide valuable continuity after a summer of substantial upheaval. With Champions League football returning to Villa Park, maintaining Emery’s leadership could be as important as another expensive transfer window.

Five players set for new deals

Left‑back Ian Maatsen has verbally agreed fresh terms after emerging as an increasingly influential figure under Emery. The Netherlands international was signed from Chelsea for £37.5 million in 2024 and has started seven of Villa’s opening ten Premier League fixtures. After Lucas Digne’s departure to Paris Saint‑Germain, Maatsen’s responsibility on the left flank has increased. Defender Victor Lindelof has already committed his future, while midfielder Emiliano Buendía, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are expected to follow.

These agreements reflect a deliberate approach to squad management as Villa seek stability after an exceptionally demanding summer. The summer saw Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martínez, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leave, generating almost £270 million and removing six members of the starting XI from the Europa League final. Ten arrivals followed, including club‑record signing Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi, Zion Suzuki and Ibrahim Mbaye.

Emery now faces the challenge of integrating those arrivals while maintaining competitive standards. The proposed contract renewals suggest Villa recognise the importance of retaining a dependable core around their new recruits.