Unai Emery is preparing his Aston Villa squad for the challenges of the upcoming 2024/25 season, which will see them make their return to the Champions League. The last time the Villains participated in the European Cup was in 1982, when they emerged victorious with Peter Withe’s memorable goal against Bayern Munich.
Since then, both the European competition and domestic football landscape have undergone significant changes. Emery is determined to revive the glory days at Villa Park following a successful 2023/24 campaign, and is eyeing a few quality additions to the squad. Villa will need to strengthen their depth in order to navigate the Champions League group stages while remaining competitive in the Premier League.
Emery is aware of the challenges that come with juggling European and domestic commitments, as showcased by Newcastle’s early exit from the Champions League last season due to injuries. One player he reportedly had interest in was Barcelona’s Raphinha, but the €70m price tag set by the Catalans has deterred any potential deal.
While Villa fans may be disappointed by this news, the club must prioritize financial responsibility and adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations when conducting transfer business. As excitement builds for the new season, Emery and the board are focused on making sensible decisions that do not jeopardize the club’s stability.
