Aston Villa F.C.’s overlooked issue this summer — and the £16m solution that could future-proof Unai Emery’s side

Aston Villa supporters are bracing themselves for another tense summer. Between constant speculation surrounding key players like Morgan Rogers and the ever-present shadow of Profit and Sustainability Rules, there is already plenty for the hierarchy at Villa Park to juggle.

But while much of the discussion centres on attacking creativity and potential high-profile departures, one quieter issue demands attention: right-back depth — and succession planning.

An ageing core that needs refreshing

Under Unai Emery, Villa have made huge strides. European football has returned, standards have risen and expectations are higher than they have been in years. Yet one underlying concern persists — the age profile of the squad.

Only Fulham F.C. currently possess an older average squad age in the Premier League. Meanwhile, rivals such as Chelsea F.C. and Manchester United F.C. are significantly younger on average, yet sit around Villa in the table.

Continuity has been a strength under Emery, but it has also meant heavy reliance on the same core of players season after season. Of Villa’s most-used players this campaign, the majority were also key figures last year — and even in Emery’s first full season in charge.

That stability has delivered results. However, evolution is necessary if Villa are to remain competitive domestically and in Europe.

The right-back question

One position not receiving enough scrutiny is right-back.

Matty Cash has been an outstanding servant. His energy, attacking thrust and commitment have made him a mainstay. Turning 29 at the start of next season, he remains at a high level and, crucially, has largely avoided major injury setbacks in claret and blue.

But relying solely on durability is risky.

Cash’s style is physically demanding. His lung-busting runs up and down the flank are integral to Villa’s system. Eventually, natural decline becomes a factor for any player approaching their 30s — and Emery cannot afford to be caught without a succession plan.

The alternatives currently available raise concerns:

• Lamare Bogarde is versatile but not a natural long-term solution at right-back.
• Andrés García has shown flashes but lacks consistency.
• Ezri Konsa can deputise but is far more effective centrally.

In short, Villa lack a specialist deputy who can both compete with Cash now and potentially replace him in the future.

A £16m answer from Spain?

Two intriguing options have emerged from La Liga: Omar El Hilali and Jon Aramburu.

Both are young (22 and 23 respectively), both valued in the region of £16 million, and both offer distinct qualities.

Aramburu is defensively dominant — one of La Liga’s most prolific tacklers this season. He offers solidity, intensity and a combative edge that would strengthen Villa’s defensive base. His experience at both club and international level suggests he could adapt quickly to the Premier League’s physicality.

However, stylistically, El Hilali may be the more seamless fit.

Currently playing for RCD Espanyol, the Moroccan’s statistical profile mirrors Cash’s remarkably closely. Assist numbers, expected assists, progressive passes, long-ball accuracy and duels won per 90 minutes are strikingly similar. He combines defensive work-rate with the willingness to overlap and contribute in advanced areas — traits essential to Emery’s structure.

Where Cash is slightly more direct in attacking the penalty area, El Hilali has arguably been busier defensively this season. That suggests room for growth in England rather than a finished product — which, for Villa, may be ideal.

Timing is everything

Espanyol reportedly wanted around £12.5 million for El Hilali last summer. After another year of development, a figure closer to £16 million would not be surprising.

In modern Premier League terms, that represents relatively low risk for a starting-calibre full-back entering his prime years.

Crucially, signing a player like El Hilali now allows for managed integration. He could learn under Cash, rotate in European fixtures and domestic cup ties, and gradually assume greater responsibility.

Waiting until decline forces action would be more expensive — both financially and competitively.

Balancing ambition and sustainability

Villa’s summer will inevitably be shaped by financial constraints. Keeping hold of Morgan Rogers would signal intent, while succession planning for Emiliano Martínez is reportedly under consideration as well.

But addressing right-back depth is not a luxury — it is proactive squad management.

Elite clubs evolve before weaknesses become glaring. Emery’s challenge is to refresh intelligently without dismantling the chemistry that has carried Villa forward.

A £16 million investment in youth at right-back may not generate headlines like an attacking marquee signing. Yet it could prove equally important over the next three to five years.

Future-proofing Villa Park

The Premier League’s margins are fine. Squad depth, durability and tactical flexibility often determine whether a club consolidates in the top six or slips backward.

Matty Cash has been exemplary. But ensuring Aston Villa are not over-reliant on him as he enters his 30s is simple prudence.

If Emery can identify and develop the right successor now — whether that is El Hilali, Aramburu or another emerging talent — Villa will quietly solve a problem before it becomes urgent.

And in a summer likely dominated by speculation, PSR calculations and headline names, that might be the smartest move of all.