There was a sense at Villa Park last season they were getting into a party they were not invited to by qualifying for the Champions League. Villa gatecrashed the top five for the second time in three seasons, finishing fourth to comfortably secure entry to club football’s elite competition for 2026-27.

Unai Emery inherited a squad 14th, three points above relegation in November 2022. He sold Jacob Ramsey for £40m and Rogers to comply with Uefa’s Squad Cost Ratio. Tielemans was let go for £35m after United triggered his release clause, costing 489 Premier League appearances.

Villa signed Manzambi for a club record £50m; he’s the Europa League Young Player of the Year. Gomes arrived for £38m and led the league with 107 tackles. Potential additions include Nicolas Jackson (£65m) and Pervis Estupinan.

Last season’s expected points were 48.5, yet they finished 12th‑place, eight spots above. They kept the top four after beating Leeds, winning 12 of 13 games. Injuries to Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans dropped the win ratio from 53% to 41%. Emery’s ability to keep them in the top four against setbacks will be tested again.