Unai Emery dealt fresh blow as another star hints at Aston Villa transfer exit
Aston Villa Face Financial and Squad Uncertainty After Missing Out on Champions League
Aston Villa’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League is expected to come at a cost — both financially and in terms of squad stability — with manager Unai Emery now facing growing uncertainty over several key players.
One of the most prominent concerns surrounds Youri Tielemans, who has admitted his future at Villa remains undecided despite an impressive debut season.
The Belgian midfielder arrived from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, having famously scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final.
After a slow start adapting to Villa’s system, Tielemans became a crucial part of Emery’s midfield, finishing the season with 53 appearances in all competitions.
He contributed five goals and 10 assists and played a central role in Villa’s Champions League campaign, starting every match en route to the quarter-finals.
However, the season ended in disappointment, with Villa ultimately qualifying for the Europa League rather than Europe’s premier competition.
That shortfall has raised concerns about the club’s ability to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), potentially forcing the club to sell players to avoid sanctions — including the threat of a points deduction.
With speculation already mounting around star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s departure, Tielemans has added to the uncertainty by revealing that his own situation is up in the air, despite having two years left on his contract.
“Nothing is confirmed or ruled out about whether I’ll stay or leave,” Tielemans said while on international duty with Belgium. “But I feel good at Aston Villa. I feel a lot of trust from the club and the manager.
“This season, I scored five goals, made 10 assists, and had a big impact in our style of play. I’ve been consistent, and I believe I’ve improved throughout the year.”
Reflecting on the end of the season and his fitness levels, he added:
“We’re used to a demanding schedule and quick recoveries. I didn’t feel tired in Skopje — though I did spend 60 minutes on the bench! [laughs] Now I’m ready to represent my country this Monday.”
Tielemans was recently named both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season at Villa’s end-of-season awards.
Despite the individual accolades, he admitted to feeling disappointed with how the season concluded.
“It’s frustrating to end the season like this,” he said. “Thank you for your support throughout the whole campaign. Home and away, you’ve been amazing.”
If Tielemans were to leave this summer, it would be another significant loss for Emery, especially following Martinez’s expected departure.
Speaking after the season-ending defeat to Manchester United, the Villa boss acknowledged the likelihood of major changes ahead.
“We’ll assess everything — the squad, the players — and see how we can improve for next season,” Emery said. “It’s frustrating today, but we’re in the Europa League. Being in Europe for three consecutive years shows our consistency. Now, it’s about taking the next step.”
As the club navigates the financial implications of missing out on the Champions League, all eyes will be on who stays, who goes, and how Villa plans to strengthen for the challenges ahead.
