MusaAston Villa have already made one signing in the January transfer window, and more movement is expected over the coming weeks.
Brazilian winger Alysson joined the club in a deal worth around £10 million last week, marking the start of the winter window for Villa.
In terms of outgoings, Louie Barry will need to find a new club after his loan with Sheffield United was cut short, while Leon Bailey could face a similar situation at AS Roma given his lack of form.
Villa also remain in conversation with Liverpool about the possibility of cancelling Harvey Elliott’s loan, which would free up space in the squad for another addition.
It is unclear whether Alysson will play a role in the second half of Villa’s season. However, with the opportunity to impress Unai Emery in training, this has not been ruled out.
As for incomings, Villa have some flexibility to make additions, though big money is unlikely to be spent despite the club being tipped by many to maintain pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
In recent press conferences, Emery has openly discussed Villa’s position in the window and has suggested that there is some room to spend.
“We are alert. The club is working and if we can sign someone to help us and improve on something we need, we will do it,” he previously explained.
“With the players we have, it is enough to compete because we are showing it the first four months. But for the second half of the season, with the same players, of course we can improve.
“Our mentality has been really important, how the players are taking responsibility, being mature and playing together, with the energy we need.”
“We can sign players, only we can’t spend a lot,” Emery added. “But we can do something, of course. Maybe as well changing someone. Last year we signed four players in January and let others leave.
“We are in the same situation now. Of course, how we are competing in the Europa League , we want to try to be a protagonist and hopefully a way for a trophy now.
“In the Premier League, two months ago, we couldn’t speak like we are now as we were in a different situation. Now we want to be ambitious to achieve our objective. That is Europe.
“When I signed here, my message was clear. I came here because I want to try and get a new opportunity in the Premier League and try to build this team being ambitious to fight for trophies, play in Europe consistently.
“Until now, we are doing it. But it is difficult and to stay where we are, we will need a lot of things.”
Then, when discussing Elliott’s possible departure, he hinted that more experienced players could be targeted following the arrival of winger Alysson.
“If he [Elliott] is leaving, we can maybe try to use the position he is [in] to let us work something [in the market]. Until now, we only signed Alysson because we believe in his potential.
“Of course, we are opening the door for as well some players with more experience. But with the players we have, how they are performing and getting their level, I am so happy.
Musa
