Aston Villa January transfer briefing: who are they after, what do they need and who might leave?

Aston Villa started the transfer window at the top of the Premier League last January and rode that fast start all the way to a place in the European Cup for the first time in more than four decades.

This year the pace was slower, but they are still just five points off the top four and one off fifth, which on current form would be enough for a return to the Champions League.

Their European odyssey has been an unmitigated success this campaign, but has also shown how crucial depth is for a team playing in two top-level competitions.

They have lost three and drawn two in the Premier League, immediately following a Champions League match in midweek.

Last January they unearthed a gem called Morgan Rogers in Middlesbrough for just £8 million. What might they find this time?

Here, as part of our transfer briefing series looking at Premier League clubs ahead of the transfer window, we examine Villa’s options.

Unai Emery’s side have found their European odyssey has proven their need for depth

What does Villa need?

Another wide man. Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey are physically fragile and there are doubts as to whether Jaden Philogene is good enough at Premier League level.

Without Boubacar Kamara in central midfield, they also lack balance, so a substitute for the Frenchman would also come in handy.

But like Bailey and Ramsey, Kamara cannot be relied on to complete a full season and the setback in his absence is such that Villa need to plug that gap.

Do they have money to spend?

Very little. Only the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus last June saved Villa from a significant points deduction for breaching the spending rules and they may be sailing close to the wind again this season.

So if someone does come in, it is unlikely to cost much and the deal may only be possible if a player also leaves.

Villa need cover on the wings for Jacob Ramsey (left) and Leon Bailey (right) in January.

Which players are they interested in?

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Villa showed interest in Brentford pair Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

The forwards are exactly the kind of players Emery likes and Villa have managed to buy players from Brentford before. Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins were fantastic at Villa Park and there is no reason why Wissa or Mbeumo couldn’t follow a similar path.

Who can leave?

Philosophical. The winger can be forgiven for not knowing whether he is coming or going. He was sold to Hull in the summer of 2023 and bought back by Villa before this season and Mail Sport understands Villa are again listening to offers for him.

Don’t be surprised if a rival takes a shot at Ollie Watkins now that he’s behind Jhon Duran in the pecking order, but without another clear backup for Duran it would be a huge surprise if Villa let the England striker leave.

Mail Sport understands Villa are willing to listen to offers for winger Jaden Philogene

What unexpected moves should fans keep an eye on?

We’ve already mentioned Kamara and he showed against Manchester City that he is exactly the kind of player Pep Guardiola’s struggling side need.

The 25-year-old former Marseille midfielder is doing the job for Villa that Rodri has always done for City and it is a surprise that City have not yet shown a strong interest in him.

Perhaps that will change in the coming weeks, but Villa certainly wouldn’t accept a mid-season exit.