Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Mon 4 August 2025 6:00, UK

Aston Villa hopes are high ahead of the new Premier League season, despite the lack of activity in the transfer window.

Unai Emery has welcomed just one senior incoming so far this summer, with goalkeeper Marco Bizot arriving from Brest.

The Spaniard had hoped to bolster several areas of his squad, but Villa have struggled against the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Club captain John McGinn called the rules “unfair” on Sunday (3 August), explaining that Villa’s owners want to spend, but that they “are not allowed”.

Guzan sends positive message

Much of Villa’s failure to strengthen in the window is down to their ability to retain their best players.

Emiliano Martinez was expected to leave the Villans this summer, with Manchester United among the clubs interested in the Argentine, but the goalkeeper now looks set to stay.

And the same can be said of Ollie Watkins, although the striker could still leave before the window closes, with Newcastle United joining Manchester United in the race for the England international.

Morgan Rogers and Boubacar Kamara have also attracted interested, but the latter signed has signed fresh terms at Villa Park and the former is expected to follow suit.

Jacob Ramsey is among the players considered available by Villa, and the academy product’s sale would present pure profit in PSR terms.

But West Ham and Everton’s interest is yet to be formalised with a bid, and time is running out.

There are reasons to be positive ahead of the new season, however, and former Villan Brad Guzan shared some of those sentiments in an interview with Sky Sports (3 August).

The American said: “I’m hoping Villa can kick on a little bit and finish maybe a spot or two higher, so for me, that’s where I’m going to be keeping my eye on.”

Positive pre-season promises good start for Villa

Performances in pre-season have been generally promising for Villa, despite fears over Emery’s lack of squad depth.

Results have been hit and miss, but the Spaniard has often deployed inexperienced teams as he looks to rotate his first-choice options.

The form of Watkins, Rogers and Donyell Malen will provide hope that Villa can start the season well, with fans hoping a shift in stance can come before the window’s close.

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