Last season was the greatest Aston Villa have enjoyed since they won the European Cup in 1982. They claimed their second European trophy by lifting the Europa League, but even without that would have secured Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Premier League. Despite a miserable start during which they failed to win … Read more
Aston Villa are close to signing Germany international Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. The midfielder is available after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer and Villa have held positive talks with the 31-year-old. Boss Unai Emery has been looking to boost his midfield options with Amadou Onana out until next year with a knee … Read more
A year after taking up golf, Rachel Daly has already reached a handicap of 19. “I think that’s too generous, I was playing really well in the summer,” she point outs before politely declaring that further questions about her pastimes are out of bounds. “I’m not that exciting, to be honest,” Daly says. “I walk … Read more
Despite the departures optimism remains. Last week’s battling Super Cup defeat in Salzbug to Paris St-Germain still showed Villa’s competitiveness and Emery’s powers of adaptability. Emery has constantly needed to roll with the punches during his three-and-a-half years in charge but he has consistently improved Villa, having taken over when they were 14th following Steven … Read more
In November 2001, the first Japanese goalkeeper to play English league football conceded a goal within the first minute of his debut. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi may have struggled for second-tier Portsmouth, conceding 21 times in his 12 games after being spotted by the then-director of football, Harry Redknapp, but he also produced some world-class saves and … Read more
If Villa are to succeed, then the experience of their longer-serving players – including WSL mainstays such as defender Anna Patten, midfielder Missy Bo Kearns and star striker Rachel Daly – will have a major role to play. “We have a lot of new players from different leagues, so I can integrate and drive them, … Read more
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has agreed personal terms with Al Hilal. This summer could be on in which the Midlanders lose several stars who have come to define the Unai Emery era: Morgan Rogers has become a record sale for the club, while Emiliano Martinez is close to an exit. But Aston Villa losing … Read more
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with Emi Martinez’s future in increasing doubt. Japan international Suzuki has been one of Villa’s top targets should Martinez leave this summer and the deal, reportedly for around £30m, is progressing. Suzuki was born in America but qualifies for Japan through his … Read more
Aston Villa are preparing for the potential exit of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez by accelerating a move for Parma’s Zion Suzuki. Juventus have revived their interest in Martínez, who is open to leaving after six seasons at Villa and is increasingly likely to depart during this transfer window. Villa are advancing a deal to sign Suzuki … Read more
Villa had fought since the start of the year to register the 6ft 4in Madjo following his £10m arrival from Metz. Under-18 players cannot complete international transfers, but the club argued that since Madjo was born in London he should be exempt – despite having three caps for Luxembourg in friendlies. Since those games, he … Read more