Aston Villa close to renewing Emery's contract and 5 players decide their future

Aston Villa are preparing to secure the future of their Spanish manager Unai Emery by reaching an agreement to extend his contract, alongside intensive efforts to retain five players from the first team, as part of the club's plan to enhance stability and continue the project that the manager started in October 2022.

The British newspaper 'Telegraph' reported that Aston Villa's management expects to finalize the contract renewal for Unai Emery during this November, after negotiations have made significant progress in an agreement that would ensure the Spanish coach remains at Villa Park for more than four years.

Unai Emery has achieved notable successes with the team since taking charge, including winning the UEFA Europa League last May. He has also recently been linked with the possibility of managing Manchester United, amid the difficulties faced by the team under Michael Carrick.

Despite these speculations, there is a sense of calm within Aston Villa regarding the future of their manager, as discussions continue between Unai Emery and Nassef Sawiris, the club's chairman, amid expectations of reaching a formal agreement in the coming weeks.

Matson and Lindelöf are at the top of the renewal list.

In related news, Dutch defender Ian Maatsen has verbally agreed to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, bringing him closer to continuing his journey with the team, after the club also settled the future of Swedish defender Victor Lindelöf, a former Manchester United player.

Maatsen joined Aston Villa from Chelsea in June 2024 for a total of £37.5 million. He has started in 7 of the 10 matches the team has played in the Premier League this season.

The Dutch player suffered an ankle injury during the match against Nottingham Forest on September 12, before regaining fitness and participating in the victory over Manchester City the following month.

Aston Villa are prioritising contract renewals for their current players during the international break in November, especially as Matty Cash has become one of Unai Emery's key players following Lucas Digne's departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

The renewal plan does not stop at Mattsen and Lindelöf, as Emiliano Buendía, Amadou Onana, and Ross Barkley are expected to sign new contracts in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of players the club is looking to secure to five.

Aston Villa have made significant changes to their squad.

Aston Villa's squad has undergone significant changes during the summer transfer window, with six players leaving the starting lineup that competed in last season's UEFA Europa League final.

The departures list includes Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martínez, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne, with the club generating revenues of nearly £270 million from these deals.

In contrast, the team has bolstered its squad with 10 new signings, including a record deal for Nicolas Jackson, alongside Swiss player Johan Manzambi, Japanese player Zion Suzuki, and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye.

Aston Villa return to Premier League action after the international break, facing Sunderland at home, before resuming their journey in the Champions League the following Tuesday, when they meet Galatasaray in the fifth round of the group stage.