Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Mon 7 April 2025 14:58, UK

Unai Emery is having an excellent season with Aston Villa and there is still plenty to play for in the West Midlands.

However, if the progress is going to continue at Villa Park then the boss also needs to have an eye on the summer transfer window in preparation for next season.

There have been plenty of stars in claret and blue this term that will no doubt make for a busy window, but Aston Villa have already secured the future of one man.

Aston Villa announce contract for forward

As the summer approaches, there are plenty of Villa names that are on the radar of other sides, which is why it is so important to secure another season of Champions League football in the West Midlands.

Furthermore, there will have to be decisions made on the future of loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, and whether these will become permanent deals.

However, it’s not just senior players that are in demand, with Rory Wilson having been attracting interest from the likes of Inter Milan ahead of the end of his contract.

The 19-year-old first joined Villa as a scholar from Rangers back in 2022 and has been a popular figure ever since.

Having played for Scotland Under-21s and being part of the UEFA Youth League campaign where he scored against Young Boys, it comes as no surprise that there could have been competition for Wilson’s signature.

However, Aston Villa have announced that they have secured their promising talent on his first professional deal with Emery’s men.

The news was announced in a statement on the club’s website on Monday (7 April), with academy manager Mark Harrison adding: “We are delighted to have agreed a new contract with Rory.

“He has obviously got a proven track record of scoring goals at Academy level and we firmly believe that this will continue at senior level.”

Emery to take Aston Villa to success

Given how well Emery has done during his time as Aston Villa boss, it’s no surprise that singing a senior contract is an attractive prospect for young players.

However, this is only half the challenge. While important to have young talent coming up, Villa also need to have reliable and experienced players who can provide the depth to carry on competing to the top levels.

With that in mind, Emery’s side cannot let their excellent form slip now, and rather than debating over the importance of the league or a trophy, they must be prepared to go for both.

This would be a serious statement in the West Midlands and certainly proof to potential signings that they are a side who mean business.

Emery will be keen to take things one game at a time, especially with a massive first-leg Champions League tie against PSG in the week, but there is plenty to get excited about at Villa Park.