Mason Mount
March 2026
Mount is reportedly not pushing for an exit and wants to rebuild his United career after injury disruption. Despite interest from Villa and Fulham, he is focusing on fitness and availability to prove value and earn a regular role.
Joao Pedro
March 2026
Chelsea won 4-1 at Villa Park to move within three points of the Champions League places, overturning an early deficit with Joao Pedro scoring three. Villa led through Douglas Luiz, Pedro levelled on the half-hour and struck again in first-half stoppage time, then Chelsea controlled the second half as Cole Palmer scored and helped exploit Villa’s high line for a late fourth.
Aston Villa
February 2026
Tammy Abraham said Villa must keep pushing in the title race after his late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw against Leeds, leaving Villa seven points off top spot with 11 games left. Leeds led through Stach, then Abraham came off the bench to score in the 88th minute. He argued the race remains open given Arsenal’s recent dropped points and Villa’s proximity to Manchester City, despite Villa’s patchy form in recent weeks.
Wayne Rooney
February 2026
Rooney criticised officiating standards after Newcastle beat Aston Villa 3–1, highlighting multiple controversial calls in a match played without VAR. He pointed to a handball incident involving Digne that resulted in a free kick instead of a penalty, calling it one of the worst decisions he had seen. Additional disputed moments included an offside goal and disciplinary calls, reinforcing arguments for VAR use.
Cole Palmer
January 2026
Elliott’s loan at Villa cannot be terminated early because Liverpool would not waive the required termination fee and Villa would not pay it, leaving him unable to return and effectively sidelined. The loan reportedly lacks a standard unilateral recall clause; ending it required Villa to pay a cancellation fee. With no compromise, Elliott remains at a club where he is not being used, reportedly to avoid triggering a mandatory £35m clause.
Harvey Elliott
January 2026
Elliott’s loan at Villa cannot be terminated early because Liverpool would not waive the required termination fee and Villa would not pay it, leaving him unable to return and effectively sidelined. The loan reportedly lacks a standard unilateral recall clause; ending it required Villa to pay a cancellation fee. With no compromise, Elliott remains at a club where he is not being used, reportedly to avoid triggering a mandatory £35m clause.
Unai Emery
January 2026
Emery and Tielemans clashed as Tielemans was substituted late on, with Emery appearing to shove the midfielder toward the dugout during a tense finale. With added time ongoing, Emery replaced Tielemans with 18-year-old George Hemmings as Villa protected a 1-0 lead secured by a Jadon Sancho goal, prompting an on-field argument that drew attention despite Villa qualifying for the last 16.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
January 2026
Mateta has reportedly informed Palace he wants to leave, believing the club no longer matches his ambitions. He is unhappy that recruitment assurances and proposed contract terms were not met, and he wants regular European football. Reports say he wanted to go last summer and stalled in late-2025 contract talks hardened his stance. Juventus proposed a loan with conditional purchase, Palace rejected it and set a higher valuation, while Villa and Chelsea have also contacted his camp.
Richarlison
January 2026
Richarlison will miss up to seven weeks after a hamstring injury suffered in the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa, adding to Spurs’ injury list. He pulled up while chasing a ball and was substituted. Frank also said Lucas Bergvall and Yves Bissouma are available, with Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie close to returning to larger minutes.
