The 2023/24 season was an impressive time for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. Off the back of a campaign in 2022/23 where they went from relegation contenders to European qualification in the space of six months, they backed that up with another very impressive effort last term.
Villa qualified for the Champions League ahead of next season, finishing in fourth place, although they were some way behind Liverpool who came third. Hot on the Villans' heels in fifth were Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, whom they finished just two points ahead of in the end.
A final day thrashing of 5-0 at the hands of Crystal Palace thankfully weighed no bearing on the final standings after Spurs lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City in the penultimate game. Thus, Emery’s side secured Champions League qualification, a competition they haven’t been in since the 1992 rebrand, although they were European Cup winners in 1982.
With a big season ahead in 2024/25, Emery will be hoping to strengthen his squad this summer and look to build on an impressive tenure at Villa Park so far. The Midlands side have already been linked with one player who could immediately strengthen their side should he join the club during the transfer window.
Aston Villa close in on exciting signing
The player in question here is Juventus and former Chelsea academy player Samuel Iling-Junior. The 20-year-old played a relatively important role for Juve last season but could be on his way out of the club as new manager Thiago Motta takes over.
According to a report from John Townley of Birmingham Mail, Villa is a potential destination for Iling-Junior. The versatile player could be part of a swap deal between Villa and the Old Lady, which would also include Weston McKennie and £16.8m, in exchange for Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The deal seems almost guaranteed to happen, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Italian explained on Monday night that Juve are “close to reaching an agreement on personal terms” with the Brazilian, who Villa need to sell in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
Thus, getting both McKennie and Iling-Junior represents a good deal for Villa. According to Romano, the club are in talks with both players and have made a “contract proposal” to each of them, although it is currently unclear as to the terms of the deals offered.
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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 11, 2024
