Aston Villa fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate this season. The Villans are not only enjoying a strong Premier League campaign, but they also find themselves at the top of their Champions League group—a remarkable achievement that highlights the club’s impressive progression under Unai Emery.
Villa’s success, however, extends beyond the pitch, with smart squad management and strategic contract decisions playing a significant role.
After a fruitful summer transfer window, Villa made another important move by securing Jhon Duran on a long-term contract. Now, it appears that two more key players, Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey, could soon follow, as Villa looks to lock down the talented pair with new contracts.
Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey in Line for New Deals
According to sources, Aston Villa is preparing to offer fresh contracts to rising stars Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey. Both young English talents have become vital components of Emery’s squad, and their contributions have not gone unnoticed.
Rogers, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January, has flourished remarkably since arriving at Villa Park. The 21-year-old has quickly integrated into the first team and has caught the eye of England’s senior team selectors, with a potential national call-up looming on the horizon. Though already under contract until 2029, Villa aims to reward Rogers with a significant pay raise and extend his commitment to the club beyond 2030, recognizing his fast-paced development and value to the squad.
Jacob Ramsey, a product of Villa’s academy, is regarded as one of the most promising graduates in recent years. His performances have garnered attention from clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham, with his value estimated to exceed £40 million. Villa, however, is keen to retain Ramsey and is prepared to offer him an enhanced contract, as his current deal runs until 2027. Ramsey has become an integral part of Emery’s lineup, making 11 appearances across Premier League and Champions League matches this season, during which he has already contributed a goal and two.
Goalkeeper Robin Olsen and defender Kourtney Hause are both under contract until 2025, but should they leave next year, their absences would likely be manageable for Villa. In defense, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, and Lucas Digne are all important to the current squad, yet each is over 30. With younger talents like Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and Ian Maatsen emerging as reliable replacements, Villa might not feel an urgent need to extend the contracts of Carlos, Mings, and Digne. Emery’s squad rotation and depth mean these players are covered in case Villa decides not to renew their deals when they eventually expire.
The Emi Buendia Dilemma
One intriguing case Villa might face in the near future involves Emi Buendia. The Argentine playmaker is undoubtedly talented, and his skill has even drawn praise from fellow Premier League star James Maddison. However, Buendia’s career has been marred by recurring injuries, and his substantial weekly wage of £75,000 (according to Spotrac) may weigh heavily on Villa’s budget. While Buendia’s talent makes him worth every penny when he is on the field, his inability to stay fit consistently has posed challenges for the team.
Buendia’s contract, which runs until 2026, might present Villa’s management with a tricky decision. While they could continue to rely on his creativity when healthy, the club may ultimately need to weigh the financial cost of his wages against his availability. In the coming months, the Villa higher-ups may need to evaluate if renewing or extending his contract makes sense given his injury record, or if exploring alternatives would be in the club’s best interest.
Villa’s Smart Contract Strategy
Aston Villa’s prudent approach to contract management reflects a strategic vision that supports the club’s ambitions on both the domestic and European fronts. By securing long-term deals with promising young players like Rogers and Ramsey, Villa ensures a strong foundation for future success. Additionally, the club’s careful consideration of contract extensions for seasoned players demonstrates a commitment to balancing experience with youth, allowing Emery the flexibility to shape a competitive and dynamic squad.
In the bigger picture, Aston Villa’s success this season is a testament to more than just their on-field performances. Through careful planning and smart contract decisions, the club is building a resilient structure that allows them to compete at the highest levels. As Villa continues to thrive in the Premier League and the Champions League, their management of emerging talent and key player contracts may well be one of the driving factors that sustain their upward trajectory.