Future Uncertain as Unai Emery left out key star in squad vs Brighton
Aston Villa could be without Ollie Watkins and up to eight players for the Premier League opener against Brighton, while Unai Emery must also reshape his defence after Ezri Konsa’s £55m move to Arsenal and a rejected bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Villa are exploring a move for free-agent midfielder Leon Goretzka after their pursuit of João Palhinha collapsed.
Carragher said Arsenal signed former Villa defender Konsa as a late-window response to William Saliba’s injury, though he expects him to feature.
Villa fans visited Villa Park and club stores to buy the new 2026-27 adidas away kit, with launch-day activities, limited edition bags and free copies of The Holte End Newspaper.
Villa have had an £18m bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis rejected after Konsa’s exit, with Tomori and Tosin Adarabioyo monitored as alternatives.
Villa have enquired about Jean-Philippe Mateta as they plan for a possible Ollie Watkins exit. Crystal Palace are not looking to sell, while informal talks over Nicolas Jackson continue.
Lamare Bogarde, Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley face pivotal seasons, with their long-term Villa futures under scrutiny before the Brighton opener.
Villa are expected to move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if Ollie Watkins leaves, with Emery keen on a reunion and Chelsea valuing him at £65m.
Villa have sold Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for £55m after rejecting an initial £30m bid, ending his spell as a key option at centre-back and right-back.
Villa U21s opened their Premier League 2 season with a 2-1 win over Brighton, as Leon Routh and Rory Wilson scored before a late scare.
Villa could start Suzuki on his Premier League debut against Brighton, with Watkins uncertain and up to eight absentees leaving Emery short for the opener.
Villa have joined Barcelona and Tottenham in tracking Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with Watkins’s future driving their search for attacking cover.
Former Villa defender Konsa has completed a £51m move to Arsenal and recalled earning Bukayo Saka’s praise after giving him ‘a good test’ in training.
Villa risk falling short of the Premier League’s eight homegrown players rule if more key men leave, with academy promotion or homegrown signings needed before the window shuts.
Opta’s supercomputer makes Villa most likely to finish 4th, giving them a 26.4% chance of a top-four place despite major summer upheaval.
