Why Villa still lean on the old guard – and whether it can endure

By Martin Graham

Aston Villa have climbed to unfamiliar levels by trusting players recruited years ago. Yet as the calendar moves on and financial limits tighten, the question grows louder: how long can that approach keep delivering results?

The legacy core still carrying the load

Recent line-ups underline how strongly the past shapes the present. Seven players finishing the draw away at Bournemouth, and the same number starting the midweek victory over Brighton, first arrived during Dean Smith’s tenure. Even now, more than four seasons after his departure, the imprint of that era remains unmistakable.

The squad can almost assemble an entire starting side from that recruitment phase. Only one position, at left-back, would be missing, and adding Lucas Digne would create a team containing no original signings made under Unai Emery, despite his later decisions to bring back Douglas Luiz and Ross Barkley.

Smith’s dismissal in November 2021 ended his time in charge, but not his influence. Tyrone Mings, initially brought in on loan from Bournemouth in January 2019, has become the longest-serving figure from that period, recently reaching 200 appearances during the Brighton win.

Alongside him, Ezri Konsa and Luiz arrived after promotion to the top flight, while Matty Cash, Emiliano Martinez, Lamare Bogarde, Barkley, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins were also introduced during those years. Together, they still form the spine of the side.

Age, value and the succession challenge

Many of Villa’s key figures were recruited from lower divisions, with both promise and risk attached. John McGinn cost just £3.5m from Hibernian, Konsa £12m from Brentford and Cash £16m from Nottingham Forest, fees that now look modest given their progress.

Emery has elevated this group beyond expectations, but replacing such players at similar prices is no longer realistic. The current market makes finding a successor to Konsa for anything close to £12m almost impossible, highlighting the difficulty of long-term planning on limited resources.

That concern is sharpened by demographics. Villa’s average starting age stands at 28 years and 84 days, the second highest in the Premier League, and internally there is acceptance that change is required.

Steps have begun. Nineteen-year-old Brazilian winger Alysson arrived from Gremio for £10m, while 17-year-old Brian Madjo joined from Metz for a similar sum. Both were secured earlier than intended to reduce cost and risk, even though neither is expected to transform the first team immediately.

January business reflected compromise. Tammy Abraham was added as cover for Watkins, while Luiz returned on loan from Juventus following Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending knee injury. With £18.25m already committed to Abraham, funds were tight, making Luiz a practical solution due to availability, affordability and familiarity with Emery’s demands.

Financial reality shapes ambition

Villa operate within a clearly defined economic tier. Deloitte’s 2024–25 rankings placed them 14th globally with £450m in revenue, yet more than £200m behind Tottenham. Stadium redevelopment will lift Villa Park’s capacity towards 50,000, but even after completion in 18 months, matchday income will trail several rivals.

Champions League qualification would help, though it would not erase the gap. Competing for elite targets remains difficult, as shown when Tottenham secured Conor Gallagher for £35m despite Villa’s prolonged interest once Atletico Madrid signalled willingness to sell.

That episode did not represent a lost bidding war so much as a reminder of hierarchy. Spurs could meet the asking price immediately, while the midfielder preferred a London return, illustrating the constraints Villa face even during strong seasons.

Mistakes also carry heavier consequences. A £26m move for Evann Guessand from Nice failed to yield league goals, leading to a January loan to Crystal Palace with an option to buy, allowing some recovery of funds. Such setbacks are harder to absorb without vast reserves.

Profit and sustainability pressures remain acute. The sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £40m balanced accounts, and further departures are anticipated. Until revenues grow or costs ease, Villa’s progress depends heavily on Emery’s ability to maximise familiar faces, stretching the old guard a little longer while searching for a sustainable future.