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.
Unai Emery
January 2026
Campbell says United should consider Emery as a proven, steady option to end the club’s cycle of failed appointments after Amorim’s exit. He argues Emery can handle big-club pressure and align board and fan expectations, pointing to Emery’s recent work rebuilding Aston Villa and his track record in Europe.
Conor Gallagher
January 2026
Villa are considering a January approach for Gallagher, who has struggled for consistent starts at Atletico this season. The idea is a loan with an obligation to buy. Atletico are said to value him around £35m, and Villa would face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham, who are also monitoring midfield options.
Harvey Elliott
January 2026
Harvey Elliott is unlikely to play for Aston Villa again, with Unai Emery indicating the call on his future was made months ago. The Liverpool loanee has barely featured and a permanent move now looks off. Elliott arrived with expectations of meaningful minutes and a potential permanent switch, but Villa have not used him. With the direction already decided internally, his situation now points toward a return to Liverpool and a reassessment of his next step.
Enzo Maresca
December 2025
Chelsea again dropped points after leading Aston Villa, and Enzo Maresca admitted he cannot fully explain why his side keeps losing control of games. Joao Pedro’s first-half opener was not enough, as Villa turned it around with a decisive second-half response. Chelsea missed chances to extend the lead through Cole Palmer and Reece James, keeping Villa alive. Unai Emery’s triple change on the hour shifted momentum, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice. Maresca said the pattern is recurring and not random.
Chelsea
December 2025
Chelsea’s 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa ended in controversy when a water-filled bottle was hurled toward the visitors’ bench during post-match celebrations, landing near the away dugout, splashing players and staff and triggering immediate complaints from the Midlands club about fan behaviour. CCTV from Stamford Bridge is being reviewed as part of an internal investigation, with Chelsea pledging full cooperation with Premier League authorities to identify whoever threw the bottle and stressing that any supporter found responsible will face strong disciplinary measures, including potential bans from attending future home matches.
Emi Martinez
December 2025
World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez remains at Aston Villa after interest from Manchester United and Saudi clubs failed to yield a move in summer 2025, yet his form has soared as Unai Emery’s side surge to third in the Premier League. Villa are on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions, built on collective cohesion and defensive security with Martinez central, and ex-Villa striker Marlon Harewood says he is “destined for more big things” as top clubs keep tracking him despite a contract running to 2029.
Harvey Elliott
December 2025
Harvey Elliott’s season-long loan at Aston Villa has stalled badly, with the midfielder limited to a single Premier League start and excluded from the last seven league matchday squads, putting pressure on Liverpool to consider recalling him before a purchase clause activates. A £35m mandatory buy clause kicks in at 10 appearances, but Emery’s selections and Villa’s strong form have squeezed Elliott out, prompting frank talks between coach, player and both clubs as they search for a solution that guarantees him regular minutes, at Villa Park or elsewhere.