Unai Emery says Aston Villa are entering a “new and different chapter” as his heavily rebuilt squad prepares to begin another Champions League campaign against Club Brugge.
Villa return to Europe’s top competition on Tuesday after winning the Europa League and finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.
However, the group Emery takes to Belgium looks significantly different following one of the most dramatic transfer windows in the club’s recent history.
Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez were among the established players to leave, while Villa invested heavily in replacements including Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Speaking before the Club Brugge game, Emery acknowledged that losing several key members of last season’s squad means Villa are beginning “a new and different chapter”.
Emery wants new Aston Villa signings to adapt quickly
The challenge now is turning a collection of new players into a functioning team.
Emery made that clear when discussing the level of turnover, insisting Villa “must try to adapt them as fast as possible” while helping the new arrivals play with confidence.
That process has not been straightforward.
Villa have taken one point from their opening three Premier League matches and remain without a league goal, although Emery believes Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Hull showed collective improvement.
The Spaniard described Tuesday as another “new test” as Villa switch their attention from an underwhelming domestic start to Europe.
There are also further complications within the rebuilt squad.
Leon Goretzka will remain unavailable following his recent fitness setback, while Johan Manzambi has not travelled to Belgium as he continues recovering from a knee problem.
João Gomes can at least return because his domestic suspension does not apply to UEFA competition.
Villa’s Champions League squad for 2026/27 underlines just how different Emery’s options now look.
Supporters can also see how Aston Villa could line up against Club Brugge as the manager decides how quickly to trust his summer arrivals.
Villa’s European achievements last season created enormous expectations.
Emery’s message is that this season’s team must now build its own identity.
