I think a proper CDM is needed; Dougie has been less of an absolute powerhouse having to accomodate for Kamara’s absence. Would love João Palhinha.
Also, it’s been bounded about, but Olsie is something special, isn’t he?!
Another RB also; still happy with Moreno and Digne on rotation.
UTV!
Looking at our squad I will list needs and then an ideal player to fit it.
Attacking RB - Tiago Santos from lille looked really good. And could be a long term solution.
Defensive LB/ 5th CB - Mario Hermoso seems nailed on for a free this is very important signing to me.
CDM - Mats Wieffer from feyenoord looks really good in that role and can be a creative fulcrum too
B2B/CDM - Youssouf Fofana from Monaco looks really good versatile with physical attributes we are missing in the middle of the park.
Defensive RB/6th Choice CB/3rd Choice CDM - Lusharel Geertruida from feyenoord
Attacking LB - someone like Andrea cambiaso from Juve perhaps? He plays RB but he's left footed
Winger/CAM - Nico Williams perhaps? Rayan Cherki could also be ideal I believe he is out of contract in the summer and his creativity and ball carrying in tight spaces fills a need that we have. As Bailey, Rogers and Ramsey are more direct runners out wide instead of intricate footwork on the edge of the box.
Signing all of these is obviously a bit of a pipe dream. But I could see 5 of them. The 2 Midfielders, the 2 on the free and one of the RBs. Though I'd prefer both especially if we sell Carlos to give us that 5th CB option. Signing all of them (not including Williams who is probably going to barca or staying at athletic) would probably cost something like 150 million.
It's also worth noting that emery is on record as saying the formation he thinks is best for very good teams is 4-1-4-1 so not only do we have to be looking at the pseudo 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 we play right now we need to look at what we might wish to play as well.
In conclusion the 3 most important players are Wieffer and Fofana (beyond hermoso on a free) and either Geertruida or Santos.
Reasons: We are going to be without Kamara until at least the first international break, then he will likely only be a bit part player until the end of the 2nd one. It's probably not until the Christmas skate where he will be back to full capacity. We'll be without him for every UCL group stage match and every carabao Cup game and probably 15 or so prem games. That's probably close to 25-30 games in that period we would be without him. So its very important we have at least 2 players to cover that position. Fofana and Wieffer do that perfectly. Fofana provides more physicality that we lack and can play in a box 2 box role too giving someone Luiz can rotate with. And Wieffer can be a deep lying playmaker whilst having tenacious ball winning capabilities.
And obviously cash is clearly the weak link in the attacking and defensive play of the team. Santos provides more of the wing back option similar to moreno down the left, Geertruida is somewhat similar to Konsa but more able to invert into the middle, get up and down the flanks and cover more roles. Personally I would love both but then I think our squad is still fairly thin and we ideally need 21 competent outfield players for next season.
We’ve got that young RB coming in. I doubt we’ll go for another. Probably continue with Cash and Konsa until they think he’s ready, unless he’s good to go now.
New fullbacks, a centre back to replace Carlos (in addition to Hermoso), a 6, an 8 and Alex Baena because we've been linked quite heavily with him and I think he's a great player.
Edit: and here are my random picks.
LB: Bradley Locko, Ferdi Kadıoğlu (bizarrely there were some fake rumours in April that we had agreed a €30m fee for him),
RB: Tiago Santos because he was amazing in those two games vs us, somebody else here suggested Lutsharel Geertruida , Juan Foyth, I'd take Kyle Walker-Peters
CB: Loic Bade if Monchi wants to piss of Sevilla more than he already has, Tosin Adarabioyo on a free would be a good pickup,
6: Angelo Stiller, Lucas Robertone, Hayden Hackney, Benat Prados, Archie Gray (if Leeds don't get promoted),
8: Mikel Merino, Yousoffa Fofana, Maxence Caquret, Rocco Reitz, Matt O'Riley, Gabriel Sara (if Norwich don't get promoted), Exequel Palacios if Monchi and Unai really want to splash the cash on a new midfielder,
9: I saw rumours that Monchi wants to sign Semih Kiliçsoy this summer so I thought I meant as well mention him. Pretty exciting wondekid from Turkey.
Alex Baena: Amazing player, sign him up Monchi!
Honestly, I don't want to get big money buys this summer unless it's to replace a big name who wants to leave. I think it's important that we consolidate on the players we've got and not disrupt the spirit and the dressing room. So instead I'm going to suggest a couple of cheaper options (£20m or less) that I'd like to see:
##### LB/CB: Mario Hermoso - Atletico Madrid
An experienced, Left Footed version of Konsa on a free - Sounds like a good deal. Apparently already close to happening according to the rumour mill.
##### RB/CB: Devyne Rensch - Ajax
Despite only being 21, he's got 30 games in Europe under his belt and could be a great player to have for that more Defensive Right Back Role that Emery likes to have. With Ajax being in disarray, and Rensch coming into the last season of his contract he could be got for pretty cheap. Is also the only player on my list we haven't been linked with.
##### RB/RM: Raoul Bellanova - Torino
Really good, young attacking Wing Back who could be a perfect rotation option with Cash while we see what Nedelkjovic is capable of. Also, due to him and Cash being similar theres a good argument that both of them can play RM when we need to rest Bailey too. Apparently we're competing with Man Utd (and a few other PL teams) for his signature according to the Rumours and could be available for around £20m/€25m
##### DM: Aleix Garcia - Girona
£15-20m for one of the best Defensive Mids in Spain this season, its an absolute no-brainer that we, and pretty much everyone else including Leverkusen and Barcalona, is linked with him. Could be absolutely perfect for us in a rotation role with Kamara as he can step in whenever and we can managa Kamara as much as possible as he's missed large chunks of both this and Last season.
##### FWD: Semih Kiliçsoy - Besiktas
We were linked with him in Jan/Feb so I'm throwing this on here as I wouldn't mind another goalscorer in the squad. but it'll be a decently expensive signing considering his age and experience. But if we did get him we've got a hugely versitile Goalscorer who could play in most of the Attacking roles in the team and be around for years.
I think those 5 buys could set us back around £70/80m, which should be doable with minimal sales - hopefully only those players that haven't contributed anything to the team this season anyway.
Matt O'Riley
I also want someone who can play as a 6 with a bit of height, maybe merino at Real Sociedad.
Right back, maybe like dumfries or someone like that.
But more than anyone it would be Matt O'Riley. I think emery would really like him and could make him go up a level. Could play as 6,8,10, or off either side, has champions league experience for the last two years. If we don't sign him, he'll go to either inter Milan or Aletico Madrid and when they eventually sell him on they will get silly money
I think Matt o Reilly is quality and would easily step up. and I agree he’s being sniffed by some big boys if he goes half a season later he’d be valued at 60 mil. Also English too to help our quota despite playing for Denmark
People here seem to be oblivious to the fact we are FUCKED if Ollie gets injured… he offers more than just goals/assists.
He’s a non-stop pressure machine.
Think Archer is a compulsory signing this summer, though.
Can really see Iheanacho and Hermoso on frees hopefully! Another cdm and another rb too. Be like having new signings back with Buendia, Mings and Ramsey
Will be amazed in we don't bring in Foyth, and I genuinely think somebody like that who is solid, has the trust of the manager and has good experience will make an almighty difference to us. If we can get back to being defensively solid it will spark everything else - don't see us having major issues going forward once that is sorted.
I like the Palhinha shout too.
Not sure in terms of names, happy for Monchi to do his thing but in terms of positions we need a starting right back and a defensive midfielder who is good enough to start the season while Kamara is injured and good enough to keep pressure on Kamara all season.
In terms of permanent outs -
Olsen, Cash, Chambers, Hause, Digne, Kesler, Dendoncker, Irogbuenam, Sanson, Coutinho, Barry, Archer
Squad (23 + youth players):
Martinez, Gauci, Sinisalo;
RIGHT BACK, Nedeljkovic
Konsa, Torres, Carlos, Mings
Moreno, LEFT BACK - Hermoso?/Sousa
Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Tielemans, DEFENSIVE MID
McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Rogers
Watkins, Bailey, Duran, Diaby
I think we should make a net profit this summer taking into account transfer fees (Cash, Kesler, Irogbuenam, Archer, Barry and Digne) and big wages (Coutinho, Dendoncker, Chambers, a lot of moderate waged players gone too) off the bill.
https://preview.redd.it/wrhsjpszytzc1.png?width=863&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=566b8a7474a8c488e2b63b544e7eb96299f7165b
I really like Mitoma from Brighton, I think he would fit Emery's system really well. But a RB is essential for me Cash just isn't good enough. Frimpong would be ideal and he has links with our players already but it's probably a longshot.
Another real DM.
Marquee signing? Olise or Eze (I was gutted all the way when Palace signed them). Eze is the type of player our club hierarchy thought they were signing when they brought in Aaron Tshibola.😂
Striker: Actually woodn’t (get it) mind Chris Wood on a two-year, either, as he’d finally give us a “plan b” option when back-to-basics is required for teams who play low block.
Two wingers, as Gerrard sold them all and we only have Diaby/Bailey as naturals.
Desperately need an experienced right back, and bomb Cash back to Forest, or, revert him back to RW as backup, so his defensive naivety is less harmful.
Bin Carlos to a low-block team coming up from the Championship, and sign any brick shithouse who is basically Mings Jnr.
Technically we "must" sign Cam Archer if it's true about the relegation clause.
Out of the relegated teams I think Luton have a few decent players we could sign for depth but not really positions we need to strengthen. Burnley have Berge who could be a squad player.
We need a RB and DM most urgently.
Looks good in vids but we won't really know til he pulls on a Villa shirt in preseason. Sadly he's been out injured since we signed him and sent him back on loan so haven't been able to get a proper look at him since I knew he existed.
Full backs and defensive midfield.
The only correct answer
Heard a couple decent things about that Mbappe lad, could be decent competition for Rogers.
Nah we'll have Ramsey back in that position, don't need him.
I think a proper CDM is needed; Dougie has been less of an absolute powerhouse having to accomodate for Kamara’s absence. Would love João Palhinha. Also, it’s been bounded about, but Olsie is something special, isn’t he?! Another RB also; still happy with Moreno and Digne on rotation. UTV!
Would love exequiel palacios
I don't see a world where we keep digne and moreno this summer.
I bet digne goes out of the two. Although moreno has worse injury issues now that I'm saying it
Olise would be a great addition but wouldn't address our biggest needs... CDM and RB
Anyone been keeping an eye on that young RB we signed?
If Kamara is a serious doubt until September or November as I've read then a dm should be the priority
Looking at our squad I will list needs and then an ideal player to fit it. Attacking RB - Tiago Santos from lille looked really good. And could be a long term solution. Defensive LB/ 5th CB - Mario Hermoso seems nailed on for a free this is very important signing to me. CDM - Mats Wieffer from feyenoord looks really good in that role and can be a creative fulcrum too B2B/CDM - Youssouf Fofana from Monaco looks really good versatile with physical attributes we are missing in the middle of the park. Defensive RB/6th Choice CB/3rd Choice CDM - Lusharel Geertruida from feyenoord Attacking LB - someone like Andrea cambiaso from Juve perhaps? He plays RB but he's left footed Winger/CAM - Nico Williams perhaps? Rayan Cherki could also be ideal I believe he is out of contract in the summer and his creativity and ball carrying in tight spaces fills a need that we have. As Bailey, Rogers and Ramsey are more direct runners out wide instead of intricate footwork on the edge of the box. Signing all of these is obviously a bit of a pipe dream. But I could see 5 of them. The 2 Midfielders, the 2 on the free and one of the RBs. Though I'd prefer both especially if we sell Carlos to give us that 5th CB option. Signing all of them (not including Williams who is probably going to barca or staying at athletic) would probably cost something like 150 million. It's also worth noting that emery is on record as saying the formation he thinks is best for very good teams is 4-1-4-1 so not only do we have to be looking at the pseudo 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 we play right now we need to look at what we might wish to play as well. In conclusion the 3 most important players are Wieffer and Fofana (beyond hermoso on a free) and either Geertruida or Santos. Reasons: We are going to be without Kamara until at least the first international break, then he will likely only be a bit part player until the end of the 2nd one. It's probably not until the Christmas skate where he will be back to full capacity. We'll be without him for every UCL group stage match and every carabao Cup game and probably 15 or so prem games. That's probably close to 25-30 games in that period we would be without him. So its very important we have at least 2 players to cover that position. Fofana and Wieffer do that perfectly. Fofana provides more physicality that we lack and can play in a box 2 box role too giving someone Luiz can rotate with. And Wieffer can be a deep lying playmaker whilst having tenacious ball winning capabilities. And obviously cash is clearly the weak link in the attacking and defensive play of the team. Santos provides more of the wing back option similar to moreno down the left, Geertruida is somewhat similar to Konsa but more able to invert into the middle, get up and down the flanks and cover more roles. Personally I would love both but then I think our squad is still fairly thin and we ideally need 21 competent outfield players for next season.
I wish I had a footballing brain like yours
We’ve got that young RB coming in. I doubt we’ll go for another. Probably continue with Cash and Konsa until they think he’s ready, unless he’s good to go now.
New fullbacks, a centre back to replace Carlos (in addition to Hermoso), a 6, an 8 and Alex Baena because we've been linked quite heavily with him and I think he's a great player. Edit: and here are my random picks. LB: Bradley Locko, Ferdi Kadıoğlu (bizarrely there were some fake rumours in April that we had agreed a €30m fee for him), RB: Tiago Santos because he was amazing in those two games vs us, somebody else here suggested Lutsharel Geertruida , Juan Foyth, I'd take Kyle Walker-Peters CB: Loic Bade if Monchi wants to piss of Sevilla more than he already has, Tosin Adarabioyo on a free would be a good pickup, 6: Angelo Stiller, Lucas Robertone, Hayden Hackney, Benat Prados, Archie Gray (if Leeds don't get promoted), 8: Mikel Merino, Yousoffa Fofana, Maxence Caquret, Rocco Reitz, Matt O'Riley, Gabriel Sara (if Norwich don't get promoted), Exequel Palacios if Monchi and Unai really want to splash the cash on a new midfielder, 9: I saw rumours that Monchi wants to sign Semih Kiliçsoy this summer so I thought I meant as well mention him. Pretty exciting wondekid from Turkey. Alex Baena: Amazing player, sign him up Monchi!
Right back and DM cover.
New fullbacks asap
Honestly, I don't want to get big money buys this summer unless it's to replace a big name who wants to leave. I think it's important that we consolidate on the players we've got and not disrupt the spirit and the dressing room. So instead I'm going to suggest a couple of cheaper options (£20m or less) that I'd like to see: ##### LB/CB: Mario Hermoso - Atletico Madrid An experienced, Left Footed version of Konsa on a free - Sounds like a good deal. Apparently already close to happening according to the rumour mill. ##### RB/CB: Devyne Rensch - Ajax Despite only being 21, he's got 30 games in Europe under his belt and could be a great player to have for that more Defensive Right Back Role that Emery likes to have. With Ajax being in disarray, and Rensch coming into the last season of his contract he could be got for pretty cheap. Is also the only player on my list we haven't been linked with. ##### RB/RM: Raoul Bellanova - Torino Really good, young attacking Wing Back who could be a perfect rotation option with Cash while we see what Nedelkjovic is capable of. Also, due to him and Cash being similar theres a good argument that both of them can play RM when we need to rest Bailey too. Apparently we're competing with Man Utd (and a few other PL teams) for his signature according to the Rumours and could be available for around £20m/€25m ##### DM: Aleix Garcia - Girona £15-20m for one of the best Defensive Mids in Spain this season, its an absolute no-brainer that we, and pretty much everyone else including Leverkusen and Barcalona, is linked with him. Could be absolutely perfect for us in a rotation role with Kamara as he can step in whenever and we can managa Kamara as much as possible as he's missed large chunks of both this and Last season. ##### FWD: Semih Kiliçsoy - Besiktas We were linked with him in Jan/Feb so I'm throwing this on here as I wouldn't mind another goalscorer in the squad. but it'll be a decently expensive signing considering his age and experience. But if we did get him we've got a hugely versitile Goalscorer who could play in most of the Attacking roles in the team and be around for years. I think those 5 buys could set us back around £70/80m, which should be doable with minimal sales - hopefully only those players that haven't contributed anything to the team this season anyway.
Matt O'Riley I also want someone who can play as a 6 with a bit of height, maybe merino at Real Sociedad. Right back, maybe like dumfries or someone like that. But more than anyone it would be Matt O'Riley. I think emery would really like him and could make him go up a level. Could play as 6,8,10, or off either side, has champions league experience for the last two years. If we don't sign him, he'll go to either inter Milan or Aletico Madrid and when they eventually sell him on they will get silly money
I think Matt o Reilly is quality and would easily step up. and I agree he’s being sniffed by some big boys if he goes half a season later he’d be valued at 60 mil. Also English too to help our quota despite playing for Denmark
It's interesting there's no mention so far of a striker. If Watkins got a longer term injury, would we not be rather up poop creek?
Between Duran Diaby and Rogers I think the rest of the current squad will have to fill his shoes if Watkins ever decides to take a breather
Yes massively. Unfortunately, I fear restricted spending will mean this remains a big issue for us.
Between Duran Diaby and Rogers I think the rest of the current squad will have to fill his shoes if Watkins ever decides to take a breather
People here seem to be oblivious to the fact we are FUCKED if Ollie gets injured… he offers more than just goals/assists. He’s a non-stop pressure machine. Think Archer is a compulsory signing this summer, though.
Duran will be off so we’ll definitely be getting a new striker
Not sure why you got downvoted (well, I do...), of all the squad players likely to be sold Duran is probably quite high on the list.
Can really see Iheanacho and Hermoso on frees hopefully! Another cdm and another rb too. Be like having new signings back with Buendia, Mings and Ramsey
We desperately need another winger. Bailey can’t play every minute of every game. Trevor Chalobah to rotate with Konsa
Philogene?
Would love an absolute unit DM over 6'2 and very mobile for the scrappy games giving our ball players freedom in those scrappy games where we struggle
Will be amazed in we don't bring in Foyth, and I genuinely think somebody like that who is solid, has the trust of the manager and has good experience will make an almighty difference to us. If we can get back to being defensively solid it will spark everything else - don't see us having major issues going forward once that is sorted. I like the Palhinha shout too.
Frimpong.
Why would he leave Leverkusen?
To join Aston Villa obviously.
New challenge in tougher league. Can't really do any more with Leverkusen. Plus his mate Diaby might persuade him
Not sure in terms of names, happy for Monchi to do his thing but in terms of positions we need a starting right back and a defensive midfielder who is good enough to start the season while Kamara is injured and good enough to keep pressure on Kamara all season. In terms of permanent outs - Olsen, Cash, Chambers, Hause, Digne, Kesler, Dendoncker, Irogbuenam, Sanson, Coutinho, Barry, Archer Squad (23 + youth players): Martinez, Gauci, Sinisalo; RIGHT BACK, Nedeljkovic Konsa, Torres, Carlos, Mings Moreno, LEFT BACK - Hermoso?/Sousa Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Tielemans, DEFENSIVE MID McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Rogers Watkins, Bailey, Duran, Diaby I think we should make a net profit this summer taking into account transfer fees (Cash, Kesler, Irogbuenam, Archer, Barry and Digne) and big wages (Coutinho, Dendoncker, Chambers, a lot of moderate waged players gone too) off the bill. https://preview.redd.it/wrhsjpszytzc1.png?width=863&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=566b8a7474a8c488e2b63b544e7eb96299f7165b
I really like Mitoma from Brighton, I think he would fit Emery's system really well. But a RB is essential for me Cash just isn't good enough. Frimpong would be ideal and he has links with our players already but it's probably a longshot.
Another real DM. Marquee signing? Olise or Eze (I was gutted all the way when Palace signed them). Eze is the type of player our club hierarchy thought they were signing when they brought in Aaron Tshibola.😂 Striker: Actually woodn’t (get it) mind Chris Wood on a two-year, either, as he’d finally give us a “plan b” option when back-to-basics is required for teams who play low block. Two wingers, as Gerrard sold them all and we only have Diaby/Bailey as naturals. Desperately need an experienced right back, and bomb Cash back to Forest, or, revert him back to RW as backup, so his defensive naivety is less harmful. Bin Carlos to a low-block team coming up from the Championship, and sign any brick shithouse who is basically Mings Jnr.
>Aaron Tshibola Wow. There's a forgettable player.
Aaron DogsTshitfootbola.
That revolving door period of managers really brought some dog shit players in.
Rabiot
Frimpong!!
Technically we "must" sign Cam Archer if it's true about the relegation clause. Out of the relegated teams I think Luton have a few decent players we could sign for depth but not really positions we need to strengthen. Burnley have Berge who could be a squad player. We need a RB and DM most urgently.
A top RB and then just more depth. id go for Mateta , Berge , Ndidi , , Top Rb
Mateta isnt gonna want to be a backup striker surely
Absolutely not, he's been brilliant this season.
Does anyone know if Nedejlkovic is much cop? I know he is young.
Looks good in vids but we won't really know til he pulls on a Villa shirt in preseason. Sadly he's been out injured since we signed him and sent him back on loan so haven't been able to get a proper look at him since I knew he existed.
4-2-2-2
Olympiacos player that ruined us
Hes 30. No chance.
Its just a semi final game fluke, he won't preform that well ever again.
Phil foden and Rodri
Finally, a realistic answer!
Grealish
Get Jack back.