Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has stressed that the club's plan to expand Villa Park's capacity is fundamental to its future growth, linking the stadium redevelopment to summer transfer strategies.
Earlier this week, Villa confirmed that the North Stand will be closed for the entire 2026/27 season to accelerate construction of the new facility, which is scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2027/28 campaign. Once completed, Villa Park will accommodate over 50,000 spectators, allowing more fans to attend matches and boosting matchday revenue.
Ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham, Emery was asked how the club's summer plans might differ depending on which European competition they qualify for. He responded by highlighting the broader growth trajectory.
"The club is always working forward, trying to be demanding about how we can improve things," Emery explained. "For example, the stadium works and we are trying to add more supporters inside Villa Park. This is something very important because if we can have 50,000 supporters every match, I think it is going to be very important. We can grow from it as well."
Emery also noted improvements at the Bodymoor Heath training ground, including a newly built hotel for players and staff. "We built a hotel here to accommodate players or when we are meeting or coming back from European or English matches to sleep here. There are lots of things that we are trying to improve and the club is working for it, to be demanding."
On the squad's progress, Emery added: "In the squad, the players show the capacity to compete at the highest level. Not just now, but last year and two years ago. We are showing it, more or less. Not comparing to other teams - we can, but I don't want to. I want to build our own way and with our possibilities and our capacity to be facing the better teams in the league or in the world in Europe. I am with a good balance in my mind about how we are doing."
The North Stand redevelopment is a key part of Villa's long-term strategy to increase revenue and competitiveness, with Emery's comments reinforcing the link between infrastructure and on-field ambition.
