Premier League: Aston Villa’s Possible XI For 2025-26 Season
Narrowly missing out on a 5th place finish and Champions League football last season was a major heartbreak for fans of Aston Villa. The team gave a good account in the Champions League season of 2024-25 marginally losing to eventual winners PSG in the Quarter-final stage.
Aston Villa has had to prepare for the Europa League courtesy of its 6th-place finish last season, and it is expected that Aston Villa will invest heavily in the squad, which needs quality additions in defence, goalkeeping, and attack.
The 2025-26 season will be Aston Villa’s seventh consecutive appearance in the Premier League since its promotion in 2019. The club has transitioned from Premier League survival to constant European Participation within a short period, which is testament to the superb work by manager Unai Emery and the Villa board.
Goalkeeper
According to Birmingham World, Aston Villa’s Champions League campaign generated well over £58m, Fans expect these funds to be reinvested into the squad, but are left disappointed with what has been described as ‘foot-dragging’
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s time at Villa is approaching its end. According to reports, the Argentine Shot stopper communicated his exit desire to the club towards the end of last season, but only Manchester United has been credited with interest, as Aston Villa rejected a potential loan offer. Aston Villa have brought in Marco Bizot from Brest. The 34-year-old goalkeeper will be Aston Villa’s number one heading into the season, given the exit of Robin Olsen to Malmö.
Defence
Aston Villa completed the signing of Yasin Ozcaan from Kasimpasa in July. The 19-year-old defender is highly rated and expected to play a role in Emery’s squad, although many expect Aston Villa to make further reinforcements in the defensive department.
Last season, the club had Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea and will hope to plug the hole he temporarily filled between January and May. Experienced defender Tyrone Mings is expected to play a more prominent role in defence this season, given his full return to fitness. He, alongside Pau Torres, is expected to form a central defensive partnership in the 2025-26 season. The duo of Matty Cash and Ian Mattsen are expected to keep their place at Right Back and Left Back.
Also Read: Premier League: Arsenal’s Possible XI For 2025-26 Season
Midfield
Not much has changed in midfield for Aston Villa as the club heads into the 2025-26 season.
Aston Villa are expected to retain the services of Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, and Jacob Ramsey. John McGin is scheduled to depart after nearly 7 years at Villa Park, with Everton the most serious to sign the Former Hibernian man.
Now 30, McGinn’s influence has dropped and with the reports of Emery insistence on signing Crystal Palace’ Adam Wharton, the Scotman will see a more diminished role and so will be keen to leave soon.
Midfield: Tielemans, Onana, Kamara
Attack
Marcus Rashford contributed 2 goals and assists, while Marco Asencio contributed eight goals. Both players have since returned to their parent club, but Aston Villa is left searching for the desired permanent replacement, with few names linked to the club.
In the Present, Aston Villa will continue with the trio of Morgan Rodgers, Ollie Watkins, and the returning Donyell Malen, even though there remains uncertainty on the future of Watkins, who Manchester United appreciates
Attack: Aston Villa’s possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Pau Torres, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Ramsey, Morgan Rodgers, Malen; Watkins
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