Aston Villa’s Winter Transfer Window: Unai Emery’s Strategic Squad Overhaul
As the January 2026 transfer window slammed shut on February 2, Aston Villa fans can reflect on a bustling period of activity that saw the club complete no fewer than 14 deals. Under the astute management of Unai Emery, Villa invested approximately £40 million in transfer and loan fees, balancing ambitious signings with prudent outgoings to refine a squad pushing for European contention. This window, while not as extravagant as some Premier League rivals, underscored Emery’s philosophy of targeted reinforcements, youth development, and financial prudence amid ongoing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) constraints. The moves come at a pivotal time for Villa, who sit comfortably in the top half of the Premier League table, eyeing a return to Champions League football after a mixed start to the season.
The window’s headline arrivals focused on bolstering the attacking and midfield options, addressing gaps left by injuries and underperformance. Leading the influx was Tammy Abraham, the English striker returning to English soil in a £18 million permanent deal from Turkish side Besiktas. Abraham, 28, brings proven Premier League pedigree, having previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Villa in 2018-19 where he scored 26 goals in the Championship. His move back to Villa Park represents a homecoming of sorts, with Emery praising the forward’s aerial presence and goal-scoring instinct as key to alleviating pressure on Ollie Watkins. Abraham’s integration could be swift; he started in a recent friendly and is expected to feature prominently in upcoming fixtures against mid-table sides.
Complementing Abraham’s experience were two promising young forwards: Alysson and Brian Madjo. Alysson, a 19-year-old right winger from Brazilian club Gremio, joined for £10 million on a permanent basis. Known for his pace and dribbling, Alysson is viewed as a long-term investment, potentially challenging for minutes on the flanks alongside the likes of Leon Bailey. Similarly, Brian Madjo, a 20-year-old centre-forward from FC Metz in France, arrived for another £10 million permanent fee. Madjo’s raw physicality and finishing ability drew comparisons to a young Romelu Lukaku, and Emery has already integrated him into under-23 training sessions to acclimate him to the English game. These signings reflect Villa’s strategy of scouting global talent pools, particularly in South America and Europe, to build depth without breaking the bank.
A familiar face returned in Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder who rejoined on loan from Juventus with a £21 million option to buy. Luiz, who left Villa in the summer of 2024 for PSR reasons, brings invaluable experience and composure to the engine room. His temporary return addresses midfield vulnerabilities exposed by injuries to key players like Boubacar Kamara. Emery, in pre-window comments, highlighted the need for “alert” recruitment despite budget restrictions, noting that Luiz’s familiarity would minimize adaptation time. Rounding out the incomings was the recall of Leon Bailey from his loan at AS Roma, a move that adds versatility to the wings without additional cost. Bailey’s speed and creativity could prove crucial in Emery’s high-pressing system.
On the outgoing side, Villa managed squad bloat and generated minor funds through a mix of loans and one permanent sale. The most notable departure was Donyell Malen, the Dutch forward loaned to AS Roma with a £22 million obligation to buy. Malen, who joined Villa in a high-profile summer deal, struggled for consistency amid competition from Watkins and others, making his exit a pragmatic decision to free up wages and squad space. Similarly, Evann Guessand was loaned to Crystal Palace with an option to buy, allowing the 24-year-old right winger to gain regular minutes elsewhere after limited opportunities at Villa Park.
Youth development was a key theme in the outgoings, with several academy prospects sent on loan to lower leagues for experience. Ben Broggio, a 19-year-old left winger, joined Scottish side Falkirk on loan to hone his skills in a competitive environment. Jamal Jimoh-Aloba, an attacking midfielder, moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan, where the Championship’s intensity could accelerate his growth. Yasin Ozcan, a 19-year-old centre-back, was loaned to Besiktas, providing him with exposure to European football. Samuel Iling-Junior, the 22-year-old left-back, headed to Italian Serie B side Pisa on loan, continuing his development after a mixed spell at Villa. Defender Sil Swinkels joined Chesterfield on loan, while midfielder Aidan Borland was sent to Swindon Town. These moves align with Emery’s emphasis on loan pathways, as seen in past successes like Cameron Archer.
The sole permanent outgoing was young defender Fin Munroe, sold to Middlesbrough for £300,000. This modest fee contributes to Villa’s financial balancing act, helping offset the £40 million outlay that included transfer fees for Abraham, Alysson, and Madjo, plus loan fees for Luiz and others.
Emery’s approach this window was measured, avoiding the deadline-day drama that plagued previous campaigns. Reports of late interest in players like Fulham’s Harry Wilson and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres amounted to nothing, with Emery confirming pre-deadline that the squad was largely set. He addressed the Harvey Elliott situation candidly, opting not to trigger the £35 million buy clause on the loanee from Liverpool, potentially sending him back to Anfield. “We are alert, but the club is working within our means,” Emery stated earlier in the window, emphasizing sustainability over splashy spending.
This window’s net spend, estimated at around £37-40 million after incomings from loans and sales, positions Villa well for the season’s second half. Compared to the summer, where PSR forced sales like Jacob Ramsey for €45 million, January felt more proactive. Emery’s track record in the market—blending stars like Luiz’s return with gems like Alysson—has fans optimistic. Critics, however, point to ongoing depth issues in defense, exacerbated by injuries, though the recall of Bailey and youth loans suggest a long-term vision.
Looking ahead, these deals could define Villa’s campaign. Abraham’s goals might propel them toward a top-four finish, while the youngsters’ loans ensure a pipeline of talent. Emery’s final squad, now finalized, blends experience, youth, and tactical flexibility. As Villa prepare for post-window clashes, including a crucial Europa League tie, this window may be remembered as the one where Emery quietly built a contender. With financial headroom preserved for summer, Villa’s upward trajectory under the Spaniard shows no signs of slowing.