Unai Emery seems more frustrated than ever following Aston Villa’s summer transfer window. Despite acquiring three players on deadline day—Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho on loan, and Victor Lindelof—the Villa manager struggles to find a reason to smile.
Before the last-minute signings, Villa only added Marco Bizo and Evann Guessand for the 2025/26 season. Both players joined the starting lineup immediately, but the team failed to maintain last season’s impressive form. Currently sitting in 19th place in the Premier League table, Villa’s predicament feels as comfortable as wearing sandals in a snowstorm.
Jacob Ramsey’s Exit Sparks Frustration
Financial constraints forced Aston Villa to sell academy graduate Jacob Ramsey, leaving Emery reportedly unhappy. According to Jeff Stelling:
- “They had to sell Jacob Ramsey, which I’m absolutely certain Unai Emery did not want to do.”
- “[Emi] Martinez was probably also on the list to be moved on.”
Stelling further assessed Villa’s business:
- “It’d have been a huge amount off the wage bill.”
- “I like Harvey Elliott a lot, and they’ve brought in Jadon Sancho as well, who might turn the clocks back.”
- “Victor Lindelof… My hands are tied, but I’m not impressed.”
Adding to Villa’s woes, goalkeeper Senne Lammens chose Manchester United over Villa, despite them offering a higher transfer fee to Royal Antwerp.
Emery’s Perspective on Ramsey’s Departure
Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle United in a deal worth up to £43 million, a sum Villa couldn’t refuse given their financial woes. When asked about the transfer, after John McGinn expressed sadness over Ramsey’s exit, Emery said:
- “I agree with the players, with the same message they sent. I agree, but we have to move on and try to do our best.”
He further explained:
- “There are always three circumstances (with any potential transfer), one is the club, second is the team, then there are the player’s wishes.”
Selling a homegrown talent to a direct competitor wasn’t part of Emery’s plan, but Villa’s financial difficulties left them with no other choice. The club’s near-miss on Champions League qualification last season continues to haunt Villa Park.
Fans hope Emery can engineer a turnaround soon—after all, being 19th in the league feels like bringing a knife to a gunfight while wearing a blindfold. Emery might need more than just tactical genius to escape this dilemma.