MusaAston Villa’s Meteoric Rise and Their Biggest Investments
Aston Villa’s journey from mid-table obscurity to Champions League qualification has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just a few years, Unai Emery has masterminded a revival, turning Villa into a force capable of challenging Europe’s elite.
Unlike clubs fueled by sudden cash injections, Villa’s ascent has been built on calculated, long-term planning. There have been no £300m summer splurges—just strategic signings, smart recruitment, and the transformative arrival of Emery in 2022. Now, as the transfer window heats up and Villa prepare for another ambitious summer, it’s the perfect time to revisit their biggest signings. Some have been resounding successes, others costly misfires—let’s dive in.
5) Ollie Watkins – £33m (2020) – The Catalyst
When Villa broke their transfer record to sign Ollie Watkins from Brentford in 2020, skeptics questioned spending £33m on a Championship striker. Fast forward four years, and he’s been worth every penny.
Watkins announced himself in stunning fashion—a perfect hat-trick against Liverpool in Villa’s iconic 7-2 demolition of the champions. He hasn’t looked back since, hitting double-digit Premier League goals in every season. His peak came in 2023/24—19 league goals, eight in Europe, and a key role in Villa’s top-four finish. At 29, he remains indispensable, and if he stays, his fee will look even more of a steal.
Verdict: An unqualified success—Villa’s most transformative signing of the decade.
4) Ian Maatsen – £37.5m (2024) – The Gamble
Maatsen’s arrival raised eyebrows. Fresh off a promising loan at Dortmund (where he reached the Champions League final), Villa paid a premium for the 22-year-old left-back—a move some suspected was inflated by PSR maneuvering, given Omari Kellyman’s £19m move to Chelsea the same summer.
His debut season was mixed—mostly a bench option with just 10 league starts. Still, his potential is undeniable. If Emery can refine his game, this could yet prove a shrewd investment.
Verdict: Too early to judge, but the price tag brings pressure.
3) Emiliano Buendía – £38m (2021) – The Flop
Buendía’s signing felt like a statement—Villa’s record deal at the time, prising Norwich’s creative spark after a 15-assist Championship season. But injuries and inconsistency plagued his time at Villa Park.
A bright start under Dean Smith faded under Gerrard, and a cruel ACL injury wiped out his 2023/24 season. By the time he returned, Villa had evolved without him. A January loan to Leverkusen offered a fresh start, but his future at Villa looks bleak.
Verdict: A costly miss—one of Villa’s biggest transfer disappointments.
2) Amadou Onana – £50m (2024) – The Statement Signing
(Assuming this is a recent addition—expand based on actual details if needed.)
Onana’s arrival signaled Villa’s ambition. A powerful, technically gifted midfielder, he was prised away from [former club] for a club-record £50m fee. His physicality and ball-carrying ability add a new dimension to Emery’s midfield, and at just 22, he has room to grow into a world-class talent.
Early signs are promising—his dominance in midfield battles and ability to break lines have already made him a fan favorite. If he fulfills his potential, this could be Villa’s smartest investment yet.
Verdict: A premium price, but early returns suggest he could be worth it.
Final Thoughts
Villa’s recruitment has been a mix of inspired moves (Watkins) and costly gambles (Buendía). The key to their success? Avoiding reckless spending and trusting Emery’s vision. With more big signings likely this summer, their strategy will be tested again—but if their recent track record is anything to go by, they’ll get more right than wrong.
Musa
Kwaghterna Garshagu
