Aston Villa were mostly pleased with the transfer business they did during their summer.
Unai Emery was able to capture seven new players while receiving over £100 million combined for Douglas Luiz, Moussa Diaby and Omari Kellyman.
Aston Villa’s transfer strategy was geared around their Champions League campaign, with Emery assembling a squad capable of holding its own against Europe’s elite.
The Villans have started this campaign like a house on fire, collecting 12 points from a possible 15 in the Premier League while winning in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
The only regret Emery perhaps has from the summer is not signing another defender as they were linked with plenty, including one target from the Serie A.
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Aston Villa dealt blow as Denzel Dumfries agrees new Inter Milan contract
At the start of this season, a few injury troubles have emerged. Right-back Matty Cash was injured against Arsenal but is set for a return soon while John McGinn hurt his hamstring in the win over Wolves.
Since Cash went down injured in that defeat to the Gunners, Emery has used three different right-backs, with Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa and Kosta Nedeljkovic deployed in that role.
Villa pushed to sign a new wing-back during the window and Lutsharel Geertruida was their primary target towards the end, as was Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, but he’s now closing in on a new contract.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Dumfries – who Villa were leading the race to sign in July – has agreed on a new contract at Inter till 2028 after it was set to expire in 2025.
The Italian giants reportedly slapped a £26 million price tag on Dumfries in the summer however, this news has crushed any chance of Emery getting his hands on the ‘incredible’ Dutchman.
Matty Cash’s return can’t come quick enough for Aston Villa
Emery’s Villa defence has struggled this season and that is mainly due to their attacking style but also the amount of rotation he’s been forced into.
Aston Villa looked somewhat solid at the back in the first two games – a win over West Ham and a loss to Arsenal – but injury to Cash hasn’t helped matters.
The Poland international started the campaign with promise after a disappointing end to the previous campaign and by not signing a new right-back, Emery placed his faith in the 27-year-old.
Ahead of some pivotal matches, including Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich, his return is desperately needed.
Cash hoped to be back for that game against Bayern, though it remains to be seen whether he’s fully fit and whether Emery risks him.
