The Villa Blog

Arsenal at Villa Park, Ollie and Emi gone and match facts from the BBC

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0000

The first home match of the season is always a good one. It doesn’t tell you much these days but it does remind you that proper football is back.

And tonight, it’s back. But before looking at the match we’ve had a couple of players leave and some come in since the last post. And even though there are no surprises, something needs to be written.

Ollie Watkins transfer talk dominates Aston Villa news, Leon Goretzka signs

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:43:28 +0200

Aston Villa’s summer transfer activity continues to dominate the headlines, with Ollie Watkins’ potential departure a major talking point. Reports suggest Watkins is pushing for a move to Al Hilal, having missed Villa’s season opener against Brighton. Former Villa winger Steve Froggatt believes this may have ‘crossed a line’ with supporters, potentially tarnishing the striker’s legacy at the club according to BBC Sport.

Meanwhile, Villa have completed the signing of Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to the Birmingham Mail. The 31-year-old German midfielder arrives from Bayern Munich and is expected to bring experience to Unai Emery’s squad during a period of significant change. Goretzka could make his debut against Arsenal.

Martínez linked with Chelsea, Villa agree Jackson deal, Grealish loan approach

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:19 +0200

Chelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, according to The Guardian. The Argentina international, who was not in the squad for Villa’s opening Premier League match, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave after a proposed move to Juventus collapsed last week. Villa have already signed Zion Suzuki from Parma as a potential replacement.

Meanwhile, Villa have agreed a £65m deal with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to the same report. The Senegal international is expected to replace Ollie Watkins, who is reportedly close to a £50m move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Ollie Watkins transfer speculation, Nicolas Jackson talks, Joel Ordonez pursuit

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:03:19 +0200

Aston Villa’s transfer activity remains focused on potential striker replacements as Ollie Watkins’ future continues to dominate headlines. According to The Guardian, Chelsea have opened talks with Villa over the sale of Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £65m. Unai Emery previously worked with Jackson at Villarreal, and Villa are reportedly exploring payment structures to facilitate the deal. Meanwhile, Watkins is expected to join Al-Hilal, though Villa have rejected a £45m bid for the striker, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Not the result or performance we wanted, Arsenal up next and still lots to happen

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

We all know the game is rigged but it is a game and someone owns the football. And this means, for Clubs like us, we have to act the way we are acting. And is there a better word to use than rigged?

And because it’s rigged, it means we are not really going to know what position we are in until the transfer window closes. And because of that we are going to have players that will throw their toys out of the pram hoping to get what they want.

Ollie Watkins absence, injury updates and Brighton reaction

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Unai Emery offered little clarity on Ollie Watkins’ absence from Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton, telling reporters via The Guardian that questions about the striker’s availability “are for him”.

Emery’s pointed refusal to discuss the matter further follows reports that Watkins is considering a move to Al-Hilal. The England forward’s absence compounded a dismal team performance, with Emery acknowledging post-match to the BBC that Villa “were not at the level required”.

Konsa sold to Arsenal, Wan-Bissaka arrives and Emery's transfer window concerns

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa have confirmed the sale of defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for a reported £50m plus add-ons, a significant departure as Unai Emery reshapes his squad. The move comes alongside the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka on an initial loan from West Ham, providing cover at right-back. Emery has openly acknowledged the challenges of this window, stating he is both “worried and positive” about the season ahead, particularly with key players being targeted by rivals.

Brighton on Sunday, Watkins, Konsa, incomings, mini season preview and match facts from the BBC

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Proper football is finally back and what a season we have in front of us. And is it just me or does it feel like it’s been longer than normal? The World Cup didn’t help but I’m glad we’re back and I’m looking forward to it.

And we’ve reason to be optimistic and it all comes down to the person pictured below. We’ve had a dark day for Aston Villa in the past, but the day this man became our manager was a very special day.

Villa's Super Cup display earns praise, Madjo makes history, Emery reflects on work ahead

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:21:33 +0200

Aston Villa fell 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, but the performance of 17-year-old Brian Madjo has dominated post-match discussion. The teenager became the competition’s youngest-ever scorer with his first-half equaliser, earning praise from Unai Emery and captain John McGinn. According to the Birmingham Mail, McGinn described Madjo as “absolutely fantastic” and predicted he would be “a big player for us this season”.

Emery, speaking to BBC Sounds, acknowledged “of course still work to do” after the match, while Dion Dublin stressed Villa must “keep winning” to maintain their place among Europe’s elite. The Guardian’s match report noted Villa’s “fearless display” against the Champions League holders, with Madjo’s physicality causing problems for PSG’s defence.

Super Cup tonight, Lucas Digne and FPL

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:08:49 +0200

We have two more matches before the season starts and the bigger of the two is tonight against PSG in the Super Cup. And even though it is pre-season, it’s an opportunity for silverware and everyone will be taking it seriously.

But it’s an easy one to brush off if things don’t go to plan because it is pre-season and it’s not the League. But it is still silverware and it would be nice.

Unai Emery on Aston Villa's Super Cup challenge, Ollie Watkins absence, transfer updates

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:02:49 +0200

Unai Emery has spoken about Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, acknowledging the European champions as favourites but expressing confidence in his side’s ability to compete. Villa will be without key players Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martínez, who are still on holiday after their World Cup campaigns. Emery explained that he gave the trio four weeks’ rest following their July 19 finish, describing the break as “completely necessary” according to the Birmingham Mail.

Aston Villa season preview, Joao Gomes message, Lucas Digne farewell

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:34:45 +0200

The Guardian’s Premier League season preview highlights the challenges facing Aston Villa after their Europa League triumph. Unai Emery’s side, predicted to finish seventh, have seen key departures including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while Ezri Konsa could follow if Arsenal make a serious bid. New signings João Gomes, Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho will need to make an immediate impact as Villa aim to secure consecutive Champions League qualifications.

Digne departs, Palhinha pursuit and injury boost ahead of Brighton

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reportedly worth €15 million with add-ons.

Attention now turns to potential incomings, with Villa locked in talks with Bayern Munich over midfielder Joao Palhinha. The 31-year-old Portugal international remains a priority target, though Newcastle’s interest could complicate matters. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi’s past praise for Palhinha’s “intensity and tactical intelligence” adds weight to Villa’s pursuit.

Elsewhere, reports suggest Villa are monitoring Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid, though any move for the Brazilian teenager would likely depend on loan availability. Forward Evann Guessand could head out, with Crystal Palace showing interest in the 21-year-old after his loan spell.

Matteo Ruggeri deal, Joao Palhinha talks and Ezri Konsa rumours

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa appear to have made progress in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri, with reports suggesting the player has given the ‘green light’ to a move. The Italian full-back, currently owned by Atalanta but on loan at Atletico, would provide competition for Lucas Digne and Álex Moreno.

Villa’s director of football Damian Vidagany has broken cover to confirm the club’s interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. In comments to the Birmingham Mail, Vidagany described the Portuguese international as a “perfect fit” for Unai Emery’s system, though negotiations with Fulham are understood to be complex given their £50m valuation.

Bayern Munich friendly defeat, Konsa transfer talk and Super Cup squad confirmation

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in their pre-season friendly in Hong Kong today. BirminghamLive’s live coverage followed the match, while their post-match analysis highlighted some promising individual performances despite the result.

Reports continue to swirl around Ezri Konsa’s future, with the Birmingham Mail suggesting the dressing room is ‘increasingly resigned’ to his potential departure amid interest from Arsenal. While no official bid has been confirmed, there is speculation the Gunners may return with an improved offer for the defender.

Silly season, perspective and ins and outs

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

I don’t know where to start and not because there is lots to write about, because it’s pre-season and not much really matters right now other than fitness and everyone learning how Unai Emery wants to approach the season.

Morgan Rogers did leave for the £117mn and we have brought in Alejandro Garnacho on loan for the season, in a deal quite similar to the Harvey Elliott deal last summer, meaning there are conditions that could make the loan a permanent signing.

Looks like Rogers is off but Manzambi is confirmed and more are coming

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It looks like Morgan Rogers is about to leave Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £117mn. with Chelsea.

He’s leaving a manager and Club on the rise to join a side that have looked lost since Roman Abramovich was forced to sell and I’m guessing it’s pretty much for the money. And the hope of success, with a manager that has had one good season.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand. He’s a young adult that has grown up in the system and now he’s going to earn double digit millions a season living in the capital.

Youri leaves for United, rumours of Digne leaving too and maybe a Swiss player joining

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

So, what a day. Youri Tielemans has left Aston Villa for Manchester United for what is believed to be £35mn. That is quite a nice return for a player that cost nothing and is 29 years old.

I’m not just writing that because he’s left and I’m not bitter. Youri has done it in a professional manner and gave nothing but what looked like 100% for us. He is joining a side that some are placing bets the manager is getting sacked by January though.

Players back at Bodymoor, players still at the World Cup and is it coming home?

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The players are back at Bodymoor and England play Norway in the World Cup tonight. If England win, there is the semi-final on Wednesday against Argentina or Switzerland. The World Cup final takes place just a couple of days before our first pre-season fixture.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m now a little interested in the World Cup and obviously want England to go all the way, but this will impact our season. Sure, it’s going to impact a lot of sides so it will even out, but I’d prefer it impacted every other side and not us.

Summer nearly over and silly season about to start for Aston Villa and England

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

So, it’s almost here but before we get to Aston Villa, I can’t not write a post and mention England. After the first match the media were all over the national side, but after the match the night before this one or maybe the night before the night before depending on when this gets posted, you’d think they lost.

Yes, Harry Kane dived and got caught but he saved the side and won the match. And every match at this stage of the tournament is going to be tough. Maybe not for everyone, but you don’t get to the final without tough matches and it’s all about winning. And the dive, well that’s just what players do these days (and Harry has a history) but you’d think these players would have unlearnt by now that this would have got checked had the referee not seen it.

Season done, hopes for next season and the World Cup

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:57:12 +0000

So, here is the end of season post and I’m sorry it’s late. I’ve tried to write this three times in real life but in my head I’ve tried to write it every day. It’s not easy because it was such a great end to the season and I know this is going to fail in hitting the levels it should.

But we need a new post. The World Cup has now started and we have a post with over 4,000 comments.

Manchester City tomorrow, this week, Spurs or West Ham and match facts from the BBC

Sat, 23 May 2026 13:05:41 +0000

There requires a post about what's happened this week and it's coming, but we also have a match tomorrow. And what happened this week is only really starting to all come together for me and while I got home at a good time on Thursday, I slept until Thursday night and I've been playing catch up ever since.

But we need a new post and with Arsenal having already won the title and us already winning the Europa League, I'm not sure what incentive either side has tomorrow other than the additional money for finishing fourth or for Pep to leave on a high.

Here we go, Freiburg in the Europa League final

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:20:01 +0000

Due to a little trip, I've just got back to my home airport and I've come straight back into the lounge, ready to board the same plane I just landed on, so I can get a flight to Stockholm, then Copenhagen and then Istanbul. And this is what it's all about.

Remember when at the start of the season, years and years ago, you used to believe we had a chance of silverware, well it is starting to feel like that might be the case again.

Liverpool at Villa Park and match facts from the BBC

Thu, 14 May 2026 08:56:50 +0000

We are not at the end of the season and I'm not even thinking about using the term business end, but we are in need of something tomorrow night to let us go into next week, with a little less nervousness. And I write that for supporters.

And Villa Park under the lights, with next Wednesday coming up, will be some atmosphere and hopefully enough to get us the three points we should have picked up against Burnley.

Oh what a night, more of the same on Sunday please and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:46:26 +0000

I'm really not sure what to write about yesterday. It feels like trying to sum up the performance and result isn't going to be possible with a few words written by me, but I have to write something so I'll try, but I most definitely wont be getting carried away even though I think I have today.

You see and as I wrote in the last post it's Sunday that counts. Don't get me wrong, yesterday was fantastic and special and a moment that in terms of recent times will only be topped by winning the tournament, but win on Sunday and we are all but assured Champions League football next season. In fact, we could confirm it if results go our way.