Aston Villa's Premier League Squad Confirmed for 2025/26 Season
Aston Villa have officially submitted their 23-man squad to the Premier League following the closure of the January transfer window. This squad, which can differ from the one registered for UEFA's Europa League, includes notable returning players such as Tammy Abraham, Leon Bailey, and Douglas Luiz. The list is two players short of the maximum allowed 25, reflecting strategic decisions made by the club's management.
Key Inclusions and Loan Situation
The squad features Harvey Elliott, who is on loan from Liverpool. However, his position remains uncertain as manager Unai Emery is cautious about activating the obligation-to-purchase clause in his agreement. This adds an element of intrigue to Villa's roster planning for the remainder of the season.
In accordance with Premier League regulations, each club's squad must include no more than 17 players who do not meet the "Home Grown Player" (HGP) criteria. The remaining slots, up to the total of 25, must be filled by home-grown talents. This rule ensures a balance between international stars and locally developed athletes.
Understanding Home Grown Player Rules
A player qualifies as home-grown if, regardless of nationality or age, they have been registered with any club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a continuous or non-continuous period of three entire seasons, or 36 months, before turning 21. This definition promotes youth development and long-term investment in domestic football.
Additionally, Under-21 players born on or after 1 January 2004 are not counted in the 25-man squad limit and remain eligible to play in the Premier League. This provision allows clubs to integrate young prospects without compromising their senior squad composition.
Aston Villa's Full Squad List
The confirmed 23-man squad for Aston Villa is as follows, with home-grown players marked:
- Bailey, Leon Patrick
- Bakumo-Abraham, Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi*
- Barkley, Ross*
- Bizot, Marco
- Buendia Stati, Emiliano
- Cash, Matthew Stuart*
- Digne, Lucas
- Elliott, Harvey Daniel James*
- Francisco Torres, Pau
- Garcia Robledo, Andres
- Kamara, Boubacar Bernard
- Konsa, Ezri Ngoyo*
- Maatsen, Ian Ethan*
- Martinez Romero, Damian Emiliano*
- McGinn, John
- Mings, Tyrone Deon*
- Mvom Onana, Amadou Ba Z
- Nilsson Lindelof, Victor Jorgen
- Rogers, Morgan Elliot*
- Sancho, Jadon Malik*
- Soares De Paulo, Douglas Luiz
- Tielemans, Youri Marion
- Watkins, Oliver George Arthur*
The club also maintains a separate list of Under-21 players, including scholars and those on contracts, who are eligible to feature in matches without affecting the senior squad limit. This group includes promising talents such as Kosta Nedeljkovic, Rory Wilson, and Oliwier Zych, among others.
Broader Context and Fan Engagement
This squad announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about player development and squad depth in the Premier League. Aston Villa's adherence to home-grown rules highlights their commitment to nurturing local talent while competing at the highest level.
Fans can stay updated with more news and analysis through dedicated social media channels, ensuring they remain connected to the latest developments at the club.
