Aston Villa Transfer Targets: 5 Stars Who Could Arrive If Villa Make the Champions League

Big-Name Signings on the Horizon for Villa Park

Aston Villa’s incredible rise under Unai Emery has placed them on the cusp of Champions League football for the first time in years. With the possibility of elite European competition on the horizon, Villa are expected to ramp up their transfer ambitions and target top-tier players who can strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.

If Villa qualify for the prestigious Champions League, they will need to add players who can perform at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. With that in mind, here are five potential transfer targets who could make the move to Villa Park in the summer:

1. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Position: Winger
Age: 21
Estimated Price: £45-55 million

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Villa:

Nico Williams is one of Spain’s brightest young talents and has made a significant impact for Athletic Club in La Liga. Known for his blistering pace, excellent dribbling, and ability to break down defences, Williams would provide an immediate upgrade to Villa’s wide positions. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, either as a winger or an inside forward, which would suit Unai Emery’s tactical flexibility.

Villa’s current wingers, such as Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendía, have shown flashes of brilliance, but Williams could add a much-needed cutting edge and dynamism to the squad. His ability to thrive in tight spaces and deliver dangerous crosses would complement Ollie Watkins‘s finishing ability and Villa’s attacking style.

Potential Deal:

If Villa secure Champions League football, Williams could be lured to the Premier League for an estimated £45-55 million. Given his age, ability, and potential, this price tag represents great value in the long run, and with Villa’s financial muscle growing, a deal could be on the cards.

2. Álex Baena (Villarreal)

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 22
Estimated Price: £30-40 million

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Villa:

Baena is another player that Unai Emery knows very well, having coached him at Villarreal. The young attacking midfielder has made a name for himself with his incredible technical ability, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals. Baena is capable of playing across the midfield, but his best position is just behind the striker, where he can influence play and make runs into the box.

Villa’s midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara, and John McGinn has been solid this season, but there is room for added creativity and a player capable of unlocking opposition defences. Baena would add that flair and dynamism, providing Villa with a much-needed attacking option in the final third.

Potential Deal:

With Emery’s connection to Baena, a move to Villa Park could be highly appealing to the midfielder, especially with the promise of Champions League football. The estimated price tag of £30-40 million reflects Baena’s age and potential, making him a smart long-term investment for Villa’s midfield.

3. Jonathan David (Lille)

Position: Striker
Age: 24
Estimated Price: £45-50 million

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Villa:

Jonathan David has firmly established himself as one of the best young strikers in Europe during his time at Lille. The Canadian international boasts incredible pace, sharp movement, and an eye for goal, making him a constant threat in the box. His ability to play in a two-striker system or as a lone forward makes him an attractive prospect for Villa, who have shown interest in adding more firepower.

While Ollie Watkins has been in fine form this season, the team lacks a natural backup for him, especially with Villa also competing on multiple fronts next season. David would bring the clinical edge Villa need and provide serious competition for Watkins in a way that strengthens the overall squad.

Potential Deal:

With his form in Ligue 1 and his growing reputation on the international stage, £45-50 million is a reasonable price for a striker of David’s quality. Should Villa qualify for the Champions League, this kind of investment in a proven goal scorer would be a necessity.

4. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

Position: Right Wing-Back / Right Midfield
Age: 23
Estimated Price: £40-55 million

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Villa:

Jeremie Frimpong is one of the most exciting attacking fullbacks in Europe, with a style of play that perfectly fits Unai Emery’s tactical system. The Bayer Leverkusen star is known for his blistering pace, excellent dribbling, and ability to contribute to both defensive and attacking phases. His ability to get forward and provide crosses from the right side would give Villa an added dimension in their attack.

Frimpong’s versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or right-back, which would suit Villa’s tactical flexibility, especially if they decide to rotate their formation in the Champions League. With Matty Cash and Ashley Young currently competing for the right-back spot, Frimpong would provide an upgrade and allow Villa to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.

Potential Deal:

Frimpong’s price is expected to range between £40-55 million, depending on his performances in the remainder of the season. Villa’s growing financial power and ambition in Europe could make him an achievable target, especially if they secure a Champions League spot.

5. Édson Álvarez (West Ham United)

Position: Defensive Midfielder / Centre-Back
Age: 26
Estimated Price: £35-40 million

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Villa:

Édson Álvarez has been a standout performer for West Ham United this season, operating as both a defensive midfielder and a centre-back. His excellent positional awareness, aerial ability, and tackling make him a reliable option in a defensive role. His versatility would be invaluable for Villa, especially in the rigours of the Champions League.

Villa have solidified their midfield with Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara, but Álvarez would add depth and steel to the team’s spine. His defensive solidity and leadership would be key in European competition, providing Villa with an option to rotate their midfield or defence while maintaining a high level of performance.

Potential Deal:

West Ham could demand £35-40 million for Álvarez, a reasonable price considering his consistency in the Premier League and experience at the highest level. Should Villa qualify for the Champions League, the move could be an exciting one for both player and club.

Conclusion: Ambitious Moves for a Bright Future

If Aston Villa secures Champions League football next season, their transfer targets will reflect their ambitions to compete with Europe’s elite. With Nico Williams, Álex Baena, Jonathan David, Jeremie Frimpong, and Édson Álvarez all fitting into Villa’s current needs and Emery’s tactical system, these stars could transform the squad into a European powerhouse.

As Villa look to make their mark in the Champions League, the next few months will be crucial in building a team capable of challenging for both domestic and European glory. With Unai Emery at the helm and these potential targets on the radar, the future is undoubtedly bright for Aston Villa.