- Unai Emery is prioritising the signing of at least one if not two wingers in the upcoming transfer window
- There are five players reported by The Athletic who Aston Villa have explored in recent months
- Any potential deals will be contingent on player sales
Aston Villa’s summer transfer window is beginning to take shape as they prioritise the signing of wingers. Five players have reportedly been discussed internally, with Villa sounding out of couple them regarding the parameters of a deal.
Over the last few seasons, Villa have had only two established right wingers in Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey. The former was sold in 2024, and, unquestionably, the latter has drastically declined in quality after his outstanding 2023/24 season.
Since then, Villa has failed to have a pacy and creative spark on the right, with John McGinn utilised more as an inside No 10.
This summer, there seems to be a shift in strategy. Jacob Tanswell from The Athletic has reported that Unai Emery is targeting a “pacy right winger who makes frequent runs beyond opposition defences.”
There have been five players revealed as ones that Villa holds definitive interest in. Each one of them brings a distinct blend of elite pace and technical quality that would suit the system Emery uses.
Ibrahim Mbaye – PSG
The Villans remain long-standing admirers of PSG starlet Ibrahim Mbaye. The teenage international turned heads on the continental stage, and Villa previously checked on his availability during the winter window.
Capable of playing across the frontline, his blistering pace and high ceiling fit perfectly into the strategic vision at Villa Park.
A deal for Mbaye would stretch the absolute limit of Villa’s summer budget. While earlier interest was cooled by PSG’s firm stance, it is suggested a deal would be around £40 million to £50 million. There are other teams who are also in the running.
Jonathan Rowe – Bologna
Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe has emerged as a prominent target, with Villa holding formal discussions regarding the parameters of a transfer.
The young Englishman has flourished in Serie A, showcasing exceptional one-on-one dribbling ability and lethal execution from wide areas. Rowe’s direct statistical profile aligns seamlessly with the tactical demands of Emery’s system.
Bologna are willing to listen to summer offers for the former Norwich City man, as they missed out on European football. Given interest from other clubs, Villa could secure the upper hand by offering guaranteed minutes in the Champions League.
Crysencio Summerville – West Ham
West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville is a Premier League-proven wide option closely tracked by Villa scouts. The Dutch youth international was a rare shining light for the Hammers this past season, consistently carrying their attacking threat from the left flank.
Securing Summerville will be a costly and complex affair, as The Athletic reports he will be more expensive than Rowe. West Ham’s need to raise more than £100 million in player sales this summer could accelerate a deal.
Karim Adeyemi – Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund’s explosive forward Karim Adeyemi has caught the eye of the Midlands club as a premium marquee signing. The German international possesses elite European pedigree, making him an ideal choice for direct output out wide. With his contract winding down, Dortmund is prepared to cash in this summer.
Adeyemi is open to leaving Germany, but he strictly demands Champions League football, a luxury Villa can comfortably provide. Dortmund values the winger highly to fund their own rebuild.
However, the primary hurdle for a deal will be satisfying the 24-year-old’s hefty personal wage demands, which sit well above Villa’s standard structure.
Harvey Barnes – Newcastle
Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes is an internal favourite at Villa Park. Emery highly values the winger’s robust Premier League track record and clinical directness. Barnes is reportedly open to exploring a move back to the Midlands to find more consistent starting minutes.
Financing a move for Barnes will be difficult. The Magpies will be reluctant to lose another winger following the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. Furthermore, they want to recoup most of the £38 million they spent on him.
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Ultimately, Villa’s summer recruitment strategy highlights a clear desire to inject elite pace and direct goal contributions into their wide positions.
Any successful deal will require a sale before moving forward, and none of the five shortlisted will be cheap. Nevertheless, this is the market Villa can enter now they have Champions League football to look forward to next season.
It’s expected to be a busy summer, and one that will likely determine how well Villa can compete on all fronts next season and ensure they are a regular contender for Europe’s elite competition.
