EXCLUSIVE: Nine players who could leave Aston Villa this summer as part of Unai Emery’s rebuild, two players already confirmed to leave
There could be some big changes at Aston Villa this summer as Unai Emery’s side prepare for a return to Europe – who is leaving and who could join them?
Excitement is building at Aston Villa as Unai Emery prepares for his first full season in charge.
The former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain manager made a monumental impact after he was named as successor to Steven Gerrard during the first half of last season – although not many onlookers could have predicted the turnaround in fortunes he inspired at Villa Park.
Taking over a side sat in the lower half of the Premier League table, Emery led Villa to a seventh place finish by the time the final whistle had been blown on the season and with it came a return to European football for the first time since 2010.
A whole host of changes will take place as Emery prepares his squad and two departures have already been confirmed – but several more Villa players could be heading for the exit door during the summer transfer window.
Will leave: Ashley Young
Ashley Young departs Villa Park as a club legend – now a replacement must be signed.
The former England winger agreed to a second spell at Villa Park just over two years ago after he left Serie A giants Internazionale. A regular feature of Villa squads over that time, the 37-year-old has provided a useful outlet for successive managers – but he will depart the club later this week when his contract comes to a close.
Will leave: Jed Steer
The former Norwich City goalkeeper has made just 36 appearances during a decade-long stint at Villa Park and has spent the vast majority of that time out on loan with the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic and Luton Town. A serious achilles tendon injury has limited his involvement over the last two seasons and he will leave Villa when his contract ends later this week.
Could leave: Bertrand Traore
Sometimes it’s easy to forget Villa paid around £17m for the former Chelsea winger when he moved to Villa Park from French club Lyon in September 2020. Although a return of 17 goals involvements (10 goals and seven assists) in 56 appearances is a fair return, Traore has never really established himself and will surely depart the club this summer when he enters the final year of his current contract.
Could leave: Marvellous Nkamba
Sat in defensive midfield and did the donkey work for Villa. Made a few good tackles and connected the play well. It was his interception in his own box which won the ball for Villa and set them up for the winner.
The 26-times capped Zimbabwe international is another player about to enter the final year of his existing deal and another that has failed to establish himself in the Villa side in recent seasons. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Luton Town and there has been some speculation the Hatters could make a permanent move for the 29-year-old following their promotion into the Premier League.
Could leave: Keinan Davis
There was some excitement over Davis as he progressed through Villa’s academy following a move from non-league club Biggleswade Town.
Could leave: Philippe Coutinho
A deal that provoked much enthusiasm when the Brazil star linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, Coutinho has shown flashes of brilliance during the last 18 months but not enough to justify his sizeable salary.
Turkish club Galatasaray and Brazilian club Corinthians are both reportedly keen to sign the former Barcelona and Internazionale playmaker and it would be a surprise to see him at Villa Park next season.
Could leave: Morgan Sanson
Another high-profile signing that hasn’t quite paid off in the manner many had hoped, the French midfielder scored just one goal and provided no assists in 23 appearances for Villa. Sanson spent the second half of last season on loan at French club Strasbourg and could return to his homeland on a more permanent basis during the summer.
Could leave: Wesley
There is a pattern here! Another expensive signing that has not hit the height expected, Brazilian striker Wesley has spent the vast majority of the last three seasons on loan at Club Brugge, Internacional and Spanish club Levante. If a buyer can be found, he will leave Villa Park this summer.
Could leave: Kortney Hause
Hause returned from his loan spell early with Watford after picking up an injury. He will be allowed to leave this summer.
Hause was a shrewd addition to the Villa squad when he joined in a £3m deal from Wolves in July 2019 but injuries have hampered his time with the club. A highly unsuccessful spell on loan at Watford last season has left serious questions over his future.
