Unai Emery is set to be handed an improved transfer fee of up to £100m following Aston Villa’s Europa League win. Emery became a darling at Villa Park after leading his side to their first European trophy since 1982 with a 3-0 thrashing of Freiburg in Istanbul.
This historic victory also marked the club’s first silverware in 30 years. Emery is now turning his attention to Villa’s Champions League campaign next season. The Spaniard led Villa to the quarter-finals of Europe’s top competition last season, but they lost 5-4 to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Emery is confident that if he can strengthen his squad this summer, they can do well again in the Champions League.
The Villa boss is expected to hold talks with co-owner Nassef Sawiris in the coming weeks to work out a spending plan for the transfer.
Emery, who led his players and staff in an open-top bus parade through Birmingham on Thursday, is keen to strengthen his midfield and has identified Celta Vigo star Ilaix Moriba as a key target.
Fulham’s Harry Wilson and Como’s Jesus Rodriguez have also been added to the summer wishlist, but signing Youri Tielemans remains a top priority.
Manager Emery must operate within the Premier League’s PSR regulations, which means Jadon Sancho will be released from his loan spell to reduce the club’s payroll costs.
Sawiris is determined to support the coach in any way possible. The Egyptian billionaire was in Istanbul to witness Villa win their first trophy under his ownership, and he believes more silverware could follow.
Sawaris said: “It’s amazing. It means a lot. I can’t describe it in words. It’s very special. After eight years on the road, I saw here how much the hard work of Unai and the whole team has paid off. It’s a great victory and the sky is the limit.”
