ReadAston Villa’s latest transfer roundup already shows three significant first-team additions, but Unai Emery’s rebuild remains unfinished after several major departures changed the shape of his squad.
Villa have signed Johan Manzambi and João Gomes permanently, while Alejandro Garnacho has arrived from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Modou Kéba Cissé has also formally joined under the pre-contract agreement arranged with LASK last year.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Donyell Malen have all left permanently. Their departures have provided funds but removed creativity, midfield control and attacking depth from Emery’s team.
Aston Villa transfer roundup: Three major additions
Manzambi became Villa’s first new senior signing of the window after completing a permanent transfer from Freiburg.
The Switzerland international offers power and the ability to progress possession through midfield. Villa reportedly paid £59.5million for the 20-year-old after his impressive performances at the World Cup.
Gomes followed in a £38million move from Wolves. The Brazilian provides Premier League experience and should add greater aggression alongside Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana.
Garnacho became the third major addition when Villa agreed a season-long loan with Chelsea. The Argentina winger should replace some of the direct running lost when Rogers moved to Stamford Bridge.
Villa’s official update on their summer business confirmed that Garnacho followed Manzambi and Gomes into Emery’s squad.
Cissé provides another young option in central defence. However, his performance against Real Sociedad showed that he will need time to adapt to Emery’s detailed build-up demands.
Villa still want another winger
Garnacho strengthens the left side, but Villa remain short of a natural right winger.
The club attempted to sign Allan from Palmeiras by offering €25million plus €5million in add-ons. Palmeiras rejected the proposal and informed Villa that the 22-year-old was not available during the current window.
ReadAstonVilla reported that Villa’s €30million Allan offer was rejected, leaving Emery’s recruitment team to decide whether to make another approach or move to an alternative target.
Allan would have provided a left-footed attacker capable of moving inside from the right. His versatility also allows him to operate centrally, fitting Emery’s preference for players who can change positions during matches.
Villa should continue searching for a right-sided attacker even if Palmeiras maintain their stance. Garnacho is most dangerous from the left, while Bailey appears increasingly likely to leave.
The need is not simply to replace Rogers with one player. Villa must spread his ball carrying, creativity and goal threat across several additions.
Leon Bailey exit could unlock final business
Bailey is now edging closer to joining Hull City after talks progressed between the clubs.
ReadAstonVilla reported that Hull are moving closer to signing Bailey, although the structure and final fee have not been confirmed.
A permanent sale would create squad space and provide further funds for a winger. Villa have previously valued the Jamaica international between £12million and £20million.
Emery could also approve further temporary departures for younger players. Tommi O’Reilly, George Hemmings and several academy prospects are attracting Football League interest, while Joe Gauci has already left on loan.
The window has already changed Villa’s midfield and attack. Gomes and Manzambi give Emery greater energy centrally, while Garnacho adds speed and one-on-one quality.
Villa’s remaining task is clearer. They require another right-sided attacker and must resolve Bailey’s future without weakening a squad preparing for another demanding domestic and European campaign.
