Three players who previously worked under Unai Emery who may be tempted to reunite with their former manager at Aston Villa next season.
Aston Villa are nearing the end of their first full season with Emery in charge of the club. The Spaniard has worked wonders at the Birmingham outfit with a return to the Champions League looking likely.
Now, with the summer transfer window approaching, Villa must ensure that they continue along this path and do not fall behind.
Their potential signings for the 2024/25 campaign could define their season. However, luckily with Emery’s experience, he could look to look towards some of his former players in the upcoming window.
At Villa, he has already done this with a great deal of success. Pau Torres moved to England last year and has been a vital player in Villa’s first team.
This article looks back on Emery’s career to highlight three players that the Spaniard could look to sign from his previous squads.
Emile Smith-Rowe
During Emery’s Arsenal days, the Villa manager managed to bring through plenty of young talents into the first team. At the time, the most notable of these was Emile Smith-Rowe.
Emery handed the midfielder his professional debut in 2018 with Smith-Rowe appearances in Europe becoming commonplace under the Spaniard.
Back in his early days in charge of the Gunners, he commented that the midfielder had ‘lots of potential’.
However, since departing, Smith-Rowe has struggled to make a mark on Arsenal’s first team. In the current campaign, he has only played 18 games in all competitions.
A move to Villa Park could help reignite the 23-year-old’s career and help him push back into the England squad. Villa were linked to Smith-Rowe in January 2024, but a move never materialised.
However, Emery may be tempted to go back in for the midfielder this summer, especially if the Champions League qualification is secured.
Alex Baena
Another player whom Emery nurtured at the start of his career. Alex Baena was part of the Spaniard’s Villarreal side before he left to join Aston Villa.
The left winger played a big role in Villarreal’s Europa League win in 2021 as he played nine times in the competition, scoring twice.
Since Emery’s departure, Baena has only got better. So far, in the 2023/24 campaign, the winger has collected 16 assists and five goals in all competitions.
With the Spaniard still only being 22 years old, there is still plenty of potential for Emery to try and unlock.
Villa have been linked to Baena throughout the campaign. In March, it was believed that if Villa achieves Champions League football, Baena could join the Birmingham outfit.
Read more: Who are Aston Villa’s record signings?
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah was just a youngster when Emery was at Arsenal but the manager certainly helped the attacker reach his potential.
The Spaniard oversaw the start of the striker’s career and helped him net his first Premier League goal against Burnley.
However, after Emery’s departure, Nketiah has struggled for game time. The attacker has made zero starts in the Premier League in 2024, with many of his appearances coming off the bench.
Despite this, his talent is still evident with the 24-year-old netting six times in all competitions so far.
At Villa, Nketiah could provide competition up top for Ollie Watkins. With more games set to be played in Europe next season, Villa’s squad must have quality in its depth.
However, one stumbling block could be the asking price. It is believed that Arsenal would want £40 million for Nketiah which could put off Emery’s side.
