Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has discussed the latest transfer news surrounding the club ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United – and it could be bad news for Villa fans.
Speaking after Thursday’s 1-0 away Europa League victory over Turkish side Fenerbahce, Emery provided an update on the transfer situation at Villa Park.
The Spanish coach had admitted the club are facing challenges in completing any winter business.
Villa have recalled winger Leon Bailey from his loan at Roma amid an injury crisis.
And there has been limited movement in either direction in terms of transfers.
Donyell Malen has joined Roma, while Villa have signed teenage forwards Brian Madjo and an Alysson.
But neither are likely to break into the starting lineup immediately. The pair are investments for the future, and will need time to adapt to the Premier League and English football.
As for front-line arrivals that will add immediate quality, Villa have struggled.
They sit third in the Premier League table, seven points below leaders Arsenal and level with Manchester City.
Although outsiders, they remain in the title race. But it’s clear that they need reinforcements, especially given Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending injury.
But according to manager Emery, Villa will face difficulties in completing any major business.
Unai Emery Reveals Aston Villa Transfer News
Following the win in Turkey on Thursday, Emery spoke of the challenging situation surrounding transfers.
He’s a Villan
A huge milestone at Aston Villa for England international Ollie Watkins pic.twitter.com/BBY7iqCPKP
— PFA (@PFA) January 13, 2026
He told TNT Sports: “We have some circumstances which are not helping us.
“But in one week we are going to finish the transfer window and hopefully we can again get everything we need to complete the squad for the next months and the competitions we have.”
Emery’s comments suggested a cautious optimism, but reflected the difficulty of January business.
Aston Villa’s Striker Search Continues As Window Closes
Villa’s main priority is signing a striker, with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta targeted.
Also on the radar is Tammy Abraham. The former Chelsea man is currently on loan at Besiktas, having struggled last season with parent club Roma.
Competition and support for main man Ollie Watkins has been an issue at Villa for several years.
He’s a Villan
A huge milestone at Aston Villa for England international Ollie Watkins pic.twitter.com/BBY7iqCPKP
— PFA (@PFA) January 13, 2026
The likes of Malen and Jhon Duran have came and went in quick succession.
And England international Watkins’ injury problems have highlighted the lack of depth Villa have up front.
Watkins has seven Premier League goals so far this season, having scored 16 and 19 in the previous two campaigns.
With Villa competing in Europe and potentially for the Premier League title, it’s clear that Watkins cannot do it alone.
The question is, can Villa find the right man, and can they complete the deal before the window slams shut in just over a week?
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