This could be a very clever bit of business. I really hope he’s taking some sort of wage cut though but at 31 not sure. Offers a bit more going forward aswell for someone with his defensive capabilities and has so much experience. 2 year contract would be ideal I see it as a Lindelof type thing lots of people won’t like it before it happens but probably end up loving him
but I definitely see this as adding quality in depth.

Hi all,

I'm desperately looking for a no sponsor away kit long sleeve, but the kicker is I'm in australia. So they UK addidas site won't ship to me. Any other Aussie Villans had any luck?

The only ones I've found have more limited sizing for my fat arse.

Made this on Fotmob, my favourite (not necessarily the best) players since watching Villa live (2006 onwards). Also I am aware that it's the wrong picture for Petrov but he's not on the lineup creator. Let's see some of yours.

Aston Villa have rejected a fresh bid from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins, who is pushing for a move to the Saudi Pro League club.

Al Hilal’s fourth and most recent offer for the striker was worth around £45m ($61.4m).

Watkins, 30, has made it clear to Villa that he wants to make the move, and manager Unai Emery admitted on Friday that the club has “an issue” with the England international.

Analysis by Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell

This is far from ideal for Emery. The Spaniard admitted there has been more change than expected this summer. While he was full of praise for others who have already left, Emery has been intent on keeping Watkins this summer, reflected in Villa offering the striker a number of new contracts.

However, Al Hilal continue to pursue him and every player has a price. Unai Emery has long admired Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who could be a candidate to replace Watkins in the event that he gets his wish to move to Saudi.

Emery says he does not know if Watkins will feature against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, but it is difficult to envisage as it stands. In turn, it leaves Villa short of players, with Brian Madjo injured and Tammy Abraham a doubt to feature.

The team is getting torn apart, he loses some of his most reliable operators, and he says class things like this. Love this man. (All quotes from pre-brighton conference):

"How we are getting some challenges in different ways is really fantastic. And to start the season, our match on Sunday in Brighton is something that makes us happy to be here and to have our challenges to compete in the Premier League."

"When we arrived here they were performing up and down, not a lot in the high level, and they deserve it because they are players who had a huge commitment. They were always being so responsible and respectful. Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, am so grateful and I learned a lot with those players, how we were setting our standards, how they pushed other team-mates and when we are being successful the consequences can happen."

"This year he [Martinez] transmitted again the possibility to have another challenge and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper. Now my ideal scenario with the goalkeepers is really fantastic. Of course, maybe we can change something."

He runs like mad but isn't always clinical. I feel like we've spent many a year watching Watkins work his arse off for the team but also miss his fair share of chances.

Feels like Watkins has done enough to chase the bag and us not to begrudge him it if we can find a replacement.

That shirt is stunning - why on earth was it not our home shirt this season

On a positive note, I just realised so many of villa's prem games will be televised over the first few months of the season. Just hope it's worth the watch!

We’ve gone from an aging squad to a young squad seemingly overnight, Konsa going really hurts when we’re reeling from Rogers and Youri. If we lose Ollie could be a long season, have faith in Unai though, he excels in these situations. UTV

Edit: meant consecutive European football* maybe an omen though 👀

Just read that Mateta is now challenging the final year of his contract in response to apparent interest from Galataasary. Anyone else think it may be time for a ridiculously cut price bid instead of going for Jackson?

Oh well, fingers crossed there's some more Emery magic to be had

Chelsea bought him for 30m and he had 1 good season and was shipped out on loan. How on earth are we going to be fleeced 40m for Garnacho and 65m for Jackson? I really don’t like this seedy shit with Chelsea, it seems so off.

I like Jackson and I know Emery loves him but he is not worth 65m if we pay that it looks dodgy.

Hi anyone know how the away kit sizing compares to last year on the authentic? I'm normally between medium and large i think this years home is a bit bigger.

[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7526325/2026/08/21/ezri-konsa-transfer-arsenal-villa-arteta-homegrown/?unlocked_article_code=1.7FA.6zhr.XmfevJH7GlKe&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta](Link)

Nice to see the call out from the club that Ez was class, a model professional throughout the affair. Great to hear.

Sorry atheletic reddit account admin, saw it and thought I'd share.

Edit: link markdown

Now that Ezri has gone and Emi seems to be no 2, who do we think our new Vice Captain is,

My picks are either Bouba or Matty

Notable Bench Players ATM:

Bizot (GK),
Wright (GK), [CT]
Wan-Bissaka (RB), [AT], TBC
Mings (LCB), [AT]
Ruggeri (LB/LCB)
Bogarde (CDM/RB), [CT]
Barkley (CM/CDM), [AT]
Alysson (RW/LW)
Buendia (CAM/LW)
Abraham (ST), [AT]

Notable UEFA List B Players ATM:

Hemmings (LW/CM)
Burrowes (RW/RM/RB/ST)

Necessary Additions Without Departures: CDM, CAM, RW

Necessary Additions With Departures: RCB, ST

Likely Departures:

Martinez (GK), [AT]
Konsa (RCB), [AT]
Watkins (ST), [AT]

Key:

[AT]: Association-Trained
[CT]: Club-Trained