Aston Villa’s decision to prioritise a new right-back raises an obvious question about what Unai Emery has planned for Matty Cash and Kosta Nedeljkovic.
Villa have already strengthened the opposite flank with Matteo Ruggeri closing in on his move from Atlético Madrid, but the recruitment drive is now switching sides.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday morning that Villa will focus their efforts on signing another right-back, with their interest in West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka described as “genuine and concrete”.
So why has the position suddenly become such a priority?
Why Aston Villa want another right-back
Cash remains Emery’s established option and signed a contract last October keeping him at Villa until 2029.
The Poland international therefore does not look like a player Villa are actively trying to move on. Instead, the pursuit of Wan-Bissaka suggests Emery wants significantly stronger competition around him.
That concern has already been visible on the pitch.
ReadAstonVilla highlighted how Villa’s right-back issue was exposed during the defeat to Bayern Munich, when Luis Díaz repeatedly caused problems attacking Cash’s side.
Elite opponents can force Villa’s full-backs into difficult one-against-one situations. Adding Wan-Bissaka would give Emery a defender whose reputation has been built largely around dealing with exactly those battles.
talkSPORT reports that Villa have already held talks with West Ham and want greater competition for Cash. The Hammers value Wan-Bissaka at around £25million.
His arrival would also allow Emery to select different profiles depending on the opposition rather than asking Cash to carry the position throughout another demanding domestic and European campaign.
What does it mean for Matty Cash?
Cash should not necessarily view another right-back as the end of his Villa career.
Villa officially tied him down until 2029, providing clear evidence of how highly the club regarded him less than a year ago.
Wan-Bissaka would, however, threaten his status as an automatic starter.
Cash offers plenty going forward and understands Emery’s system, but adding an experienced Premier League defender would allow Villa to make selection decisions based much more heavily on the opposition.
Against teams possessing dangerous left wingers, Wan-Bissaka’s defensive qualities could be particularly appealing.
The competition would therefore become real rather than theoretical.
Kosta Nedeljkovic could face a bigger decision
Nedeljkovic’s situation looks more uncertain.
The 20-year-old has impressed during parts of pre-season and appeared to be pushing his way back into Emery’s thinking following his return from RB Leipzig.
However, he has still made relatively few senior appearances for Villa and interest in another experienced right-back potentially changes his pathway.
ReadAstonVilla reported earlier this week that Rangers are exploring a move for Nedeljkovic, with both permanent and loan possibilities discussed.
If Villa were to spend around £25m on Wan-Bissaka while retaining Cash, regular first-team opportunities for Nedeljkovic could become extremely difficult to find.
Another move could therefore make sense if Emery believes consistent football elsewhere would be better for his development.
Villa’s search for a right-back appears to be about more than simply increasing the number of defenders available.
Cash would face the strongest competition he has had for some time, while Nedeljkovic may have to consider whether his immediate future lies away from Villa Park.
Who Villa eventually sign will tell us even more about Emery’s thinking, but Romano’s update suggests the hierarchy have already decided the position needs strengthening.
