--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T19:41:00.470Z last_updated: 2026-07-24T09:45:59+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/aston-villa/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmlybWluZ2hhbW1haWwuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvdHJhbnNmZXItbmV3cy9hc3Rvbi12aWxsYS1zdGlsbC1mb3VyLXBvc2l0aW9ucy0zNDM0Mzg0NQ --- # Aston Villa still have four positions to strengthen after transfer flurry - **Source:** - **Published:** 24 Jul - **Club:** Aston Villa - **Original URL:** https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-still-four-positions-34343845 First came the news of the club hijacking Newcastle United’s move for Johan Manzambi, who joined in a club-record £52 million deal after Manchester United activated Youri Tielemans’ £35 million release clause. Shortly thereafter, it also emerged that Lucas Digne was set to join Paris Saint-Germain after the French club activated the release clause in his contract. Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers completed a British record £117 million transfer to Chelsea. Joao Gomes was recruited as Tielemans’ replacement for the exact same fee of £35 million, while Alejandro Garnacho became the third arrival after joining on loan from Chelsea, with a conditional obligation to buy in a deal worth around £43 million. There is also interest in a number of other Villa players, including Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, although Villa do not want to sell any of them. Of course, substantial offers could be considered because, inevitably, player sales must form part of the club’s strategy to remain competitive. Some fringe players will, however, be allowed to leave, including Leon Bailey, Kosta Nedeljkovic and Samuel Iling-Junior. Following the departure of Andres Garcia, Villa are in need of a new right-back and, with Digne closing in on his move to PSG, a new left-back too. The ACL injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup means Villa are also in need of another midfielder, unless Lamare Bogarde is trusted with a more significant role next season. However, there are doubts over the 22-year-old’s future amid interest from several clubs. Villa have been in talks with Bayern Munich over signing Joao Palhinha on loan, while there have also been links to Everton’s James Garner, who can operate effectively in both midfield and at right-back. So, while there are three positions that need strengthening in the final month of the transfer window, before any further major sales, there is also a need to add quality and depth in the forward areas despite the arrival of Garnacho. Garnacho is only one of four players currently expected to be part of Unai Emery’s squad next season who can operate across the three attacking positions behind the striker, with John McGinn, Manzambi and Emi Buendia the other options. Evann Guessand and Alysson are also possibilities, and both have the opportunity to impress during pre-season before Emery makes a final decision on their futures, at least for next season. Whether they find form or a new signing is made, Villa will need more than the four guaranteed options they have currently. Tielemans’ departure is a blow for Villa for several reasons, but one factor that could easily be overlooked is his ability to operate as a number 10, something Gomes hasn't yet demonstrated at a high level in his career. McGinn and Manzambi are both versatile enough to play either in the double pivot or behind the striker, but just one injury or suspension to either of them, Garnacho or Buendia would leave Villa short of attacking options. As Garnacho joined Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea, Emery will have one fewer option available for the two Premier League meetings with the Blues next season if the terms of the deal prevent him from playing against his parent club. Of course, Guessand and Alysson would add depth, but they are both individual cases. Alysson may benefit more from a loan move than a season of limited game time if he is not yet ready for regular first-team football. Guessand, meanwhile, struggled during his first Premier League season across spells with both Villa and Crystal Palace, despite ending the campaign with Europa League and Conference League winners’ medals. Palace opted against signing him permanently, leaving his future uncertain. However, he still has the chance to win Emery over, much like Buendia did last summer before going on to play an important role in the club’s success. 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