The summer transfer window will open in one month, and Aston Villa have considerable work to do following the conclusion of this season. It could yet prove to be a historic campaign for the club, with Champions League qualification and Europa League glory still within reach, as three matches remain.
Villa host Liverpool on Friday night before facing SC Freiburg in Istanbul in the Europa League final. They will then conclude their league season away at Manchester City. Securing Champions League qualification would provide Villa with greater financial flexibility, while player sales could further boost their budget amid the constraints of Squad Cost Rules (SCR).
Here are nine players Villa could target this summer.
Oscar Mingueza
Starting with a potential free agent, Oscar Mingueza has been on Villa’s radar for some time. Unai Emery was keen on signing him in January 2024, but Andres Garcia was brought in as a cheaper alternative. Now set to leave Celta Vigo on a free transfer, Mingueza’s versatility is a major attraction. Villa need competition for Matty Cash at right-back, while the left-back position has also been inconsistent this season. Mingueza has played almost equally on both flanks, making 45 appearances across all competitions this season.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Villa are also interested in Ibrahim Mbaye and could offer the young winger more game time next season. The Paris Saint-Germain prospect only turned 18 in January but faces stiff competition in a star-studded attack. He started just 10 Ligue 1 matches this season but still managed five goal contributions, including a well-taken strike in a 2-0 win over RC Lens that secured PSG the title.
Marcus Rashford
Emery was impressed with Marcus Rashford during the second half of last season, and the Manchester United forward could be on the move again this summer. After a dream loan spell at Barcelona, the Catalan side are reportedly unwilling to pay a permanent transfer fee. Still, the 28-year-old has thrived under Hansi Flick, scoring 14 goals and registering double figures for assists in 48 appearances.
Omar Marmoush
Another ambitious target could be Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian international was linked with Villa in January due to limited game time, having started just eight Premier League matches this season. Currently at Manchester City, he has shown form recently, scoring in consecutive matches against Crystal Palace and Brentford. He would not come cheap, but could be a game-changing addition.
Crysencio Summerville
A more affordable attacking option could be Crysencio Summerville, especially if West Ham United are relegated. The 24-year-old has impressed this season, including a run of goals in four consecutive matches between January and February. He joined West Ham from Leeds United in August 2024 for £25 million plus add-ons.
Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall could also re-emerge as a target. Villa were interested in the 20-year-old in January, but a move did not materialise. Now at Tottenham Hotspur, he has started just 11 Premier League matches and may seek a fresh start.
Nicolas Jackson
Villa have revisited previous targets under Emery, and Nicolas Jackson could be one of them. The striker has had limited opportunities during his loan spell at Bayern Munich from Chelsea. Villa were previously priced out of a deal, but Emery is believed to admire the player.
Abde Ezzalzouli
Abde Ezzalzouli is another attacking option, though a deal could be expensive. He has been key for Real Betis under Manuel Pellegrini, helping them secure Champions League qualification. Ezzalzouli has contributed 14 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances this season.
James Trafford
Villa may also need a new goalkeeper if Emi Martinez departs this summer. James Trafford would be a strong candidate. The 21-year-old has primarily featured in cup competitions for Manchester City, who have enjoyed deep runs, including a League Cup win and an FA Cup final appearance. With Martinez turning 34 in September and previously open to a new challenge, a succession plan may be needed.
