Unai Emery Hints at More Transfers
Unai Emery provided a glimpse into Aston Villa’s January transfer situation during his pre-Everton press conference, balancing the immediate focus on their next Premier League fixture with the club’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune the squad. Despite the club’s tight Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation the January window presents an opportunity for Villa to strengthen key areas after a drop-off in performances in the past few months.
Emery’s words captured the club’s dual priorities: improving the team while navigating potential departures to help fund them.
The incoming Donyell Malen and the outgoing Jaden Philogene being a case in point.
“The most important is that we’re playing, Everton, but of course, we are in the January transfer window, and we are trying to do some movement,” said Emery.
“We are alert, and we want always to be ready to improve our squad with the players and of course sometimes as well, some players [are] wanting to leave for different circumstances.”
Here’s how Villa’s transfer dealings are shaping up so far, and what it means for the squad heading into the second half of the season.
Philogene Out, Malen In
Jaden Philogene is poised to join Ipswich Town and without his departure there would be no signing of Donyell Malen, with the Philogene deal reportedly freeing up the funds to make the transfer possible.
Emery said of the situation:
“If we are changing the players, Malen for Jaden is the first. Maybe the possibility of two or three players more we can do another deal, until the last days of the window.”
Malen’s arrival would add speed and cover across the front three attacking positions, providing a valuable complement to the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Jhon Durán.
Diego Carlos: Staying or Going?
Like the previous window Diego Carlos’ future has surfaced. In the summer the link was with Fulham, but the price wasn’t right, this time Fenerbahçe are the club at the bargaining table. Carlos’ departure could generate funds for reinforcements like Sevilla’s Loic Bade. Villa currently have only two fully fit centre-backs, meaning before Carlos can leave, a suitable replacement needs to be locked in.
“Maybe the possibility of two or three players more we can do another deal, until the last days of the window.”
Buendía’s Catch-22
One of the narratives quietly simmering in the background this January is the future of Emi Buendía. The 28-year-old has struggled to re-establish himself in the Villa side since returning from a long-term injury. After nearly a year on the sidelines, Buendía has faced the challenge of competing in a squad now operating at a higher Champions League level, meaning he must exceed his previous standards to earn a regular spot.
However, achieving those levels requires a consistent run of games – a luxury he is unlikely to get at Villa Park any time soon. This creates a catch-22 situation for the Argentine playmaker. While speculation mounts about a possible move, any transfer would depend on finding a suitable buyer at a level Buendía is willing to play at. There had been links to Leeds United, but he’s unlikely to drop down to the Championship. If he doesn’t leave in this window, interest would certainly heat up for Buendia in the summer.
Louie Barry Wiggle Room
Aston Villa’s efforts to remain PSR-compliant have brought Louie Barry into the spotlight. Following a successful loan spell at Stockport County, a permanent sale at double digit millions would create financial breathing room for Villa. Surely that’s what he was recalled for?
Barry, who had shown great promise as a youth player, would struggle to find a place in Villa’s current team, but his transfer could be an important piece of the club’s financial puzzle this window.
UTV
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