After Ruggeri: Aston Villa “are in talks” to sign £27m star, he’d be Emery’s next Tielemans – opinion
Aston Villa are preparing for another demanding Premier League campaign, but Unai Emery still has important work to complete before his squad is fully settled.
The Villans are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, a reward for their impressive Europa League success last season, when they defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the final.
With Champions League football also returning to Villa Park, expectations are high ahead of the new campaign.
However, Villa have undergone significant changes this summer. Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea in a £116 million deal, while several alterations have been made to Emery’s midfield.
Matteo Ruggeri is also expected to arrive from Atletico Madrid following a £17 million agreement, but Villa remain keen to strengthen the centre of the pitch.
One of their biggest challenges is replacing Youri Tielemans.
The Belgium international became a key figure during his three years at Villa Park, developing into an influential player under Emery.
His technical quality, leadership and ability to control games made him an important part of Villa’s progress, making his departure particularly difficult to overcome.
Boubacar Kamara’s return from injury provides Emery with an excellent option in midfield, while the arrivals of Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi have added energy, physicality and attacking flair.
Nevertheless, Amadou Onana’s long-term injury has increased the need for another experienced midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Villa could now turn to a player with extensive Premier League experience.
Football director Damián Vidagany has confirmed that the club are in talks with Bayern Munich over a potential deal for Joao Palhinha.
The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder spent last season on loan at Tottenham, where his defensive qualities and physical presence proved valuable. Bayern are reportedly seeking around £27 million for the player.
Palhinha would offer something different from Tielemans, but his ball-winning ability, composure and leadership could make him an ideal addition to Emery’s midfield.
He has established himself as one of the Premier League’s strongest defensive midfielders and has already demonstrated that he can perform under pressure.
While Kamara could provide the technical qualities required to replace Tielemans, Palhinha could become the experienced midfield leader Villa need following the departures and injuries affecting their squad.
With Champions League football ahead, securing Palhinha could be the final piece of the puzzle for Emery as Villa look to compete on several fronts.
