Alex Keble looks at what Aston Villa need to do in the summer transfer window to improve their squad.
Aston Villa
After their huge overachievement in 2023/24, Villa clearly don’t have a lot to do, although with Nicolo Zaniolo’s loan ending, there is an obvious gap on the left wing.
Zaniolo, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers contributed just eight goals or assists from a combined 25 starts last season, and there is certainly room in the side for a powerful ball-carrying winger to complement Leon Bailey on the other flank.
Considering Unai Emery’s desire to transition quickly through the thirds with those piercing vertical passes, it is surprising that Villa rank 10th in the Premier League for progressive passes, with 1,451.
That stat explains why they are reportedly targeting Ross Barkley, who is an assertive, eye-of-the-needle passer in midfield.
In defence, Emery’s anxious rotation between Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash suggests he may like an upgrade at right-back. He might prefer a more attacking player here as Cash managed only two goals and two assists in 2023/24.
Key positions to target: Right-back, central midfield, left wing
Ins and outs so far
| Player | Transfer Type | Club | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Sanson |  Transfer Out |
Nice | Details |
| Chisom Afoka | Released |
- | - |
| Frankie Ealing | Released |
- | - |
| Taylor-Jay Hart | Released |
- | - |
| Aaron O'Reilly | Released |
- | - |
| Teddy Rowe | Released |
- | - |
| Jack McDowell | Released |
- | - |
| Dylan Mitchell | Released |
- | - |
(Last updated: 6 June)