After promotion from the Championship back in 2018/19, very few Aston Villa fans would have anticipated the rapid rise the club would endure on the pitch.
In the last five years, the Villans have become a consistent challenger for the European spots, subsequently finishing seventh or above in each of the last four Premier League seasons.
Wednesday night was the biggest night for a generation of supporters as Unai Emery masterminded victory over Freiburg to end the club’s 30-year trophy drought.
The Spaniard has forever cemented his legacy within the club’s history, with the 54-year-old just the second manager to ever win a European trophy with the West Midlands outfit.
His relentless desire for trophies won’t stop after the recent win in Istanbul, with attention undoubtedly rapidly switching to the transfer market and the opportunity to take the club up another level.
Aston Villa make offer to land £35m star this summer
Aston Villa have conducted some excellent pieces of business over the last couple of years – many of which have allowed the club to reach new heights in recent years.
The hierarchy appear to be pushing for a move to land departing Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita – who’s already announced he will be moving on this summer.
It’s been reported that the Japanese international wants a move to Villa Park this summer, with Leeds United also monitoring the 31-year-old’s current situation.
Morita isn’t the only top-level talent in the recruitment team’s sights ahead of the summer, with Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara another potential addition.
According to reports, Sport Witness, Villa have already made an offer for the Brazilian midfielder, who’s racked up 42 appearances across all competitions this term.
The report states that it’s unclear whether the offer was made to his representatives or his current employers – but a bid has been submitted for services nonetheless.
A £35m price tag has previously been placed on the 26-year-old’s head in recent times, with Everton just one other side keen on securing a move for his signature this summer.
Why Sara would be Villa’s next Youri Tielemans
Aston Villa’s ambitions of reaching the next level became evident in the summer of 2023, after securing the signature of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer.
The Belgian international was a hugely in-demand talent after leaving Leicester City, but Emery’s side clinched his signature after fending off huge interest from other Premier League clubs.
He’s since been a mainstay at the heart of the Villans’ midfield, amassing a total of 133 appearances across all competitions in the last three years.
|
Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa record |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games played |
133 |
|
Goals scored |
10 |
|
Assists |
25 |
|
Yellow cards |
13 |
|
Minutes played |
9797 |
|
Trophies won |
1x |
The 29-year-old has often popped up with moments of magic – as seen in the Europa League final this week, as he fired the side into the lead with a thunderous effort in the 41st minute.
Tielemans has produced a phenomenal category of goals during his time at Villa Park, with his transfer undoubtedly going down as one of the club’s best dealings in recent memory.
A deal for Sara this summer could see Emery’s men land a similar talent, as the Brazilian has also developed a reputation for coming up with outrageous strikes.
His ability to pick out the top corner from deep-lying positions is no doubt a huge asset, but his underlying stats highlight his top-level quality at both ends of the pitch.
The 26-year-old Galatasaray midfielder has created a staggering 2.7 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.4 of which being categorised as big chances created.
Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe this term, subsequently matching Tielemans in being able to constantly provide opportunities for those around him.
Sara has also completed 2.4 crosses per 90 in 2025/26 – a tally higher than 98% of players in his position and further reaffirming his incredible ability in possession.
Without the ball this term, the former Norwich City talent has been just as influential, as seen by his 56% ground duels won tally and 3.6 ball recoveries made per 90.
His efforts in Turkey haven’t gone unnoticed in recent times, as social media creator Alex Linardos has labelled the Villa transfer target as “phenomenal”.
£35m for a player of Sara’s quality could prove to be an excellent deal for Emery’s side as they look to build on the generational European victory in Istanbul.
His incredible talent at both ends of the pitch could make him a huge asset in the years ahead, potentially spare heading any further success at Villa Park.
Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Tielemans, the Brazilian will no doubt become a fan-favourite and a player who is capable of becoming a world class operator.
He was a monster: Aston Villa star looked like prime Gareth Barry in Istanbul
Aston Villa ended three decades of drought to defeat Freiburg and win the Europa League.
