Bacuna Villa stay constrained as Emery plans summer rebuild

bacuna villa still have to balance every incoming move against an outgoing one this summer. Champions League qualification has not removed the UEFA settlement agreement that still governs how Unai Emery can build his squad.

Emery and Villa spending

Villa reached the settlement agreement last year after breaching financial fair play rules, and the effect is still showing in their transfer plans. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said, "Villa qualifying for the Champions League will open the purse a fair amount, but they were certainly constrained in 2025-26 and I suspect there’s a fair chance that will roll over to next season."

That leaves Emery and sporting director Roberto Olabe working on a market that is already defined by two wide players, a striker and a right-sided defender. Tammy Abraham’s long-term future is in doubt after his January arrival because Villa are seeking a striker.

Bailey, Barnes and Mbaye

Leon Bailey is available for sale after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m in 2021. Harvey Barnes, who scored 16 Premier League goals this season, is a specific wide target, while PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye has also emerged as a target and Villa were reportedly very close to completing a deal for him.

The transfer route is not simple. Villa are seeking to add without breaking the balance the agreement requires, so possible exits are part of the same plan as any new arrivals.

Martinez and Rogers

Reports from Italy say Juventus and Emi Martinez’s agent have held talks, with Juventus offering €5m toward Villa’s €15m asking price. Elsewhere, Villa want at least £100m for Morgan Rogers, who has suitors including Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG.

Rogers is not pushing for a move, and no significant movement is expected until after the World Cup concludes in mid-July. For Villa, that means the summer rebuild runs through sales first, then signings, with every major move still tied back to the same spending limits.