Who could be next to leave Aston Villa as Ozcan finds new club?
Aston Villa’s transfer window has been disappointing so far, with a lack of any real marquee signings.
After narrowly missing out on Champions League football last season, Villa needed to strengthen in the summer to avoid similar heartbreak in the next campaign.
This does not appear to be the case thus far, with more departures than incomings for Unai Emery’s side so far this window.
Yasin Ozcan is the latest to leave B6, with the youngster joining Anderlecht on loan, and we at Villa News look at the three players most likely to follow Ozcan out the door at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins to depart
At Villa, Watkins has developed into one of the Premier League’s best strikers, but the England international has been linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer.
With the Villans also being linked to strikers such as Nicolas Jackson and Lois Openda, this adds fuel to the fire that a potential exit for Watkins at Villa could be on the cards.
Watkins Premier League goal tallies:
- 2024/25 – 16
- 2023/24 – 19
- 2022/23 – 15
Watkins turns 30 in December, and this summer could be the perfect chance to cash in on the striker and reinvest the funds into a younger alternative.
Emi Martinez could get his move
Like Watkins, Martinez is another player who should be indebted to Villa for helping him develop into one of the best shot stoppers in the world.
The Argentinian goalkeeper has also been linked to a host of other clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and many more.
Martinez, 32, was in tears at full time after the final home game of the season against Tottenham, with the goalkeeper appearing to wave goodbye to the Villa Park faithful.
Losing two key members of Emery’s squad would be far from ideal this summer, but likewise with Watkins, if Monchi can identify a young alternative to take Martinez’s place, cashing in on the ‘keeper could prove to be shrewd business.
Jacob Ramsey can be sold for pure profit
It’s never nice to see an academy graduate leave, but that is something Villa fans may have to brace for this summer.
Ramsey has gradually fallen down the pecking order under Emery and started just 19 Premier League games last season.
With Gabriel Sara potentially on his way to the club, Ramsey may find himself on the chopping block.
Selling the 24-year-old would, of course, represent a pure profit from a PSR standpoint and would help to alleviate any financial issues still plaguing the Villans.
If Emery no longer fancies Ramsey, selling him would make logical sense from a financial perspective, particularly if his replacement is already lined up.
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