As far as dream seasons in professional football go, Aston Villa are right up there, with Unai Emery once again working his magic during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Spaniard led the Villans to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, whilst also winning the Europa League and ending the club’s 44-year wait for a European trophy.
There’s no denying Emery has transformed the side into one of England’s most-feared outfits, but now he has the task of delivering trophies and success on a consistent basis.
His side already has numerous elite-level talents, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy back the 54-year-old with added reinforcements to aid his chances of further success.
This summer’s transfer window presents the perfect chance for the board to build on the recent European triumph and mount a push for a potential title challenge in the years ahead.
Aston Villa make £45m bid to land European superstar
Recent success continentally and domestically in 2025/26 will only increase the funds Villa are able to spend during the upcoming summer transfer window.
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has emerged as one possible transfer target, but the Villans could face stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.
The 21-year-old is expected to depart the London Stadium this summer after the Hammers’ relegation, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are still set to demand £85m to offload the youngster.
The attacking department could also be bolstered during the off-season, with Como forward Martin Baturina emerging as another potential transfer target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Villa recently made a €50m (£45m) bid for the Croatian international, who registered 12 combined goals and assists in all competitions.
The report states that the offer was rejected by the Italian outfit, and Cesc Fàbregas’ side could demand as much as £69m to offload the 23-year-old this window.
It’s unclear if Emery’s men will return with a second offer for the attacking midfielder, but their recent offer certainly highlights the intent to spend big ahead of 2026/27.
Why Baturina would be like a prime Grealish for Villa
Villa’s recent rise up the Premier League and to European stardom simply wouldn’t have been possible without the impact of Jack Grealish – for more than one reason.
The Englishman was a key part of the Villans squad which secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2018/19, whilst helping maintain the side’s top-flight stats a year later.
He registered 17 goals and 18 assists during his first two years back in the Premier League, often thriving off the left-hand side of the attack or in the number ten position.
Jack Grealish – Aston Villa record
Statistics
Tally
Games played
213
Goals scored
32
Assists
43
Yellow cards
29
Red cards
2
Minutes played
15338
However, the 30-year-old would depart in a then English-record £100m deal to join Manchester City back in 2021 – a move seen as a real turning point for the club.
Such funds have been cleverly invested back into the first-team squad, subsequently allowing for the recent success endured under Emery in recent months.
His skillset saw him capture the hearts of all supporters in the West Midlands, with Baturina hoping to do the same upon any move of his own this summer.
The Croatian possesses a very similar playstyle to that of Grealish, subsequently having the ability to star off the left-hand side of the attack or within central areas.
His stats from the recent season in Serie A highlight his phenomenal talent, with his potential addition undoubtedly offering Emery the added quality he’s hunting for this summer.
Baturina, who’s been labelled “one of the best playmakers” by talent scout Antonio Mango, created a staggering 3.6 chances per 90 in Italy’s top flight.
The aforementioned tally ranks him within the top 3% of all midfielders in Serie A, subsequently highlighting his superb ability to create opportunities for those around him.
His 40% cross accuracy is also another sign of his tremendous quality within forward areas – also ranking him within the top 3% of attackers in the division.
Baturina’s 54% dribble success highlights a similarity to Grealish, with both players having huge success in being able to glide past the opposition with ease.
Whilst no deal has yet been agreed for the 23-year-old, the recent offer is a huge statement of intent from Villa in their hunt for added glory in the near future.
Baturina would be a sensational addition should they be able to reach an agreement, with the Croatian international having all the tools needed to emulate Grealish’s success in the West Midlands.
Related
Better than Sancho: Aston Villa have held talks to sign £74m star
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a star who would be better than Jadon Sancho.
