Heading the other way, Villa had a large number of notable outgoings, including the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, free transfers for Philippe Coutinho and Alex Moreno and a season-long loan for Leon Bailey.
Of all the summer incomings at Villa Park, who do you think will have the biggest impact?
International break 'might do all some good' after Martinez issuepublished at 12:15 BST 4 September
12:15 BST 4 September
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
The international break gives the opportunity for a reset with the arrival of the new signings hopefully having a freshening effect.
Whether Aston Villa's poor start can be blamed on some sense of injustice about the financial limits, lingering disappointment from missing out on the Champions League, or just a collective form dip, a change of scenery will hopefully help.
There is one unresolved issue from deadline weekend though, which may require careful handling by Emery and his staff. Emi Martinez staying ought to be good news, but from his tears on the pitch at the end of last season to his non-appearance on Sunday against Crystal Palace, there has been enough drama to potentially make things a little awkward.
BBC Radio WM's Villa pundit Garry Thompson thinks it could be, internally at least.
"If he gets back in the team and plays well, and seems a bit contrite – he's never going to apologise! – and just wants to get on with it, I think they'll forgive him, and we'll just crack on," Thompson said.
"But don't make it easy for him. I may be jumping the gun, but it looked like he was ready to jump ship. If you're ready to jump ship, you can't just wander back into the dressing room and say: 'I'm back lads - it's all right."'
We'll see. A week away on international duty might do all some good.
After all, Monday was Aston Villa's best day for quite a while, perhaps since May.
With the need to do some business – even if for no better reason than to apply jump-leads to their season – they completed three deals that all made sense.
Victor Lindelof adds experienced defensive cover at relatively small cost.
Jadon Sancho ought to be motivated to prove a few doubters wrong – perhaps he can draw inspiration from the way Marcus Rashford's career was revitalised by six months with Unai Emery. Even paying most of his wages for a year is a low-stakes bet.
And in Harvey Elliott, Villa have signed a talented player just at the point he seems ripe to make a major breakthrough.
But concerns remain. Villa played 55 first-team games last season and will surely have ambitions of a long Europa League run. That might mean this season's total is even higher.
Their squad remains full of quality but short of depth, and in an ideal world, they would surely have addressed that.
Boyd joins Aston Villa from Aberdeen for 'significant fee'published at 12:15 BST 4 September
12:15 BST 4 September
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Fletcher Boyd is leaving Aberdeen
Fletcher Boyd is set to join Aston Villa from Aberdeen "for a significant undisclosed fee", the Dons have announced.
The deal is subject to the outcome of a Fifa minor's application.
Scotland Under-16 international Boyd, 17, made 13 appearances for Aberdeen's first team and scored twice.
"Fletcher is not one we had planned or wanted to sell at this time, but we've had to take this approach based on the circumstances we found ourselves in," said Pittodrie director of football Steven Gunn.
"It was made very clear to us that Fletcher wished to explore this opportunity and that signing any contract extension beyond the less than two years remaining on his current agreement was going to be very unlikely.
"Therefore, we felt that now was the optimal time to trade him to not only maximise our value in the short term, but also to ensure there is significant potential upside for AFC in the future should Fletcher develop the way we all hope he does."
'Two months down the line this can easily be forgotten'published at 09:18 BST 4 September
09:18 BST 4 September
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Emi Martinez's failed move to Manchester United may not have long-term repercussions, believes former Aston Villa midfielder Marc Albrighton.
The Argentina goalkeeper was not in the squad for Sunday's defeat by Crystal Palace amid interest from Old Trafford but remained at the club beyond the closure of the transfer window.
Nevertheless, Albrighton thinks Martinez can still be rehabilitated into Unai Emery's first XI.
"I do think he starts the next game," Albrighton said. "I have seen mixed reports of the story about him wanting to leave.
"I have seen that he was open too it but if it comes off it does and if it doesn't, it doesn't. Without knowing the ins and outs of it, it's very difficult to say but I think he's professional enough and has had such a good time at Villa as well.
"He knows he's loved by the fans. I think this can easily be turned into two months down the line being forgotten."
Elliott 'could really thrive' under Emerypublished at 09:18 BST 4 September
09:18 BST 4 September
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Albrighton also said the signing of Harvey Elliott on deadline day is one that will energise Aston Villa fans.
"He's the one that I'm most excited about," Albrighton said. "Watching him over the past two years since he had that bad injury away at Leeds - I think he's really matured and come on in his personality.
"He's grown up quite a lot. He was very young mentally before but now with him training week-in, week-out with top players at Liverpool and being surrounded by some of the best coaches and players in the world has meant he's really matured.
"I think he'll bring that to Villa and now he's got an opportunity to play games. He also has a fantastic manager in Unai Emery so he could really thrive."
Winless start 'hasn't been what we wanted' - Rogerspublished at 07:42 BST 4 September
07:42 BST 4 September
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Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers recognises it has been "a tough start" to the Premier League season for Unai Emery's side but says the whole squad will be "looking to find their feet" after the international break.
It means they are 19th in the early Premier League table for this first international break of the season and Rogers accepts his own form has not been good enough.
"I think I would say the same as everyone else, it hasn't been what we wanted and not how I would've liked but that's the joy of football - you have your good days and bad days," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I'm just looking to improve and get better and find my feet, just like the rest of the team is I think.
"After a tough start, it happens. I'm just looking forward to getting back after this international break. The aim will be trying to improve it [Aston Villa's form] and get better."
'Can't help but feel slightly disappointed' - a 5/10 windowpublished at 16:49 BST 3 September
16:49 BST 3 September
Hannah Gowen Fan writer
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Let's face it, Aston Villa were never going to spend big this summer.
At the end of last season, after narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification, it was clear Villa's financial issues were going to run deep into the transfer window.
Rumours of big-name departures were a sign of the times; Profit and Sustainability Rules and squad-cost ratios were to be more prominent than 'here we go' posts and marquee signings.
Despite all of their accounting woes, Monchi and the recruitment team, steered by Unai Emery, had a job to do this summer. With a significant number of outgoings to appease regulations and reduce a hefty squad bill, Villa were left light in midfield and attacking areas. The list of departures began with Jhon Duran in January, and followed with the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey and loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
The priority areas were clearly creative midfielders and pacey forwards that could play on the wing or as versatile strikers. Emery has long admired players that are adaptable and hard working.
So, has this summer been a success? Villa have signed three attackers, a centre-back and a keeper. On paper, not too bad. No giant fees paid (yet) and some players with proven Premier League and European pedigree have joined.
However, Villa are certainly nowhere near complete. The right-back position still lacks depth, which remains a concern given the leakiness of the defence. The arrivals of Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho late on deadline day were reassuring, but feel slightly like they were last-minute deals to paper over gaping holes in Villa's attacking arsenal.
The club's hands were tied and fate sealed - this summer was never going to be a spending spree. Yet I can't help but feel slightly disappointed that this squad doesn't feel much improved.
As it was in January 2025, the winter window will likely be a key moment in Aston Villa's season.
Gossip: Martinez not interested in Turkey movepublished at 07:07 BST 3 September
07:07 BST 3 September
Aston Villa are happy to continue with Emiliano Martinez this season despite a move to Manchester United not materialising and the goalkeeper not interested in joining the Turkish Super Lig. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Meanwhile, Villa had agreed a deal worth more than Manchester United's offer of £18.1m to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but the 23-year-old Belgian chose Old Trafford. (Mail - subscription required), external
'Now it's about kicking on as a player' - Elliott's first Villa interviewpublished at 14:44 BST 2 September
14:44 BST 2 September
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Harvey Elliott has described himself as feeling "incredible" after completing a deadline day move from Liverpool to Aston Villa.
Midfielder Elliott, 22, told Villa club media: "First and foremost, a big thanks to everyone for making it happen. Playing for a massive club like Villa is every kid's dream. I'm very happy it's over the line now and I can't wait to get started.
"It's been a bit hectic, especially on deadline day. But everything is sorted now. To officially be an Aston Villa player, it's an incredible feeling.
"For me, now, it's about kicking on as a player.
"The only way to do that is to play games and there's no better place to do that than here, especially with the manager, his philosophy, the way he plays and his trust in younger players."
Martinez must move on and Elliott is 'excellent business'published at 13:29 BST 2 September
13:29 BST 2 September
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
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Emi Martinez's move to Manchester United never materialised and the World Cup winner must move on quickly.
The Argentina goalkeeper has often been the centre of attention - his vulgar gestures with his World Cup golden glove trophy and the Copa America prime examples.
His future has also dominated Villa's summer, even before last season ended with his perceived emotional goodbye following the final home game of the campaign against Tottenham.
Now, it would be best for the former Arsenal stopper - who turns 33 today - to keep a low profile as he proves his commitment once again to Villa.
Away from Martinez, Villa needed to box clever in the window given the financial restrictions with profit and sustainably rules a constant concern.
Regardless of whether it was the first or last day of the window, signing Harvey Elliott from Liverpool - especially for the £35m he will cost next summer - is excellent business.
Elliott is a mature 22-year-old who has class, drive and experience, having won the Premier League and is coming off the back of a second European Championship win with England Under-21s in the summer.
Victor Lindelof himself is an Under-21 Euros winner with Sweden in 2015 and will provide competition for Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings.
Jadon Sancho will hope Emery - who had to sell Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle to help comply with PSR - can revive his career almost like Marcus Rashford last season, where his former United team-mate returned to the England squad.
Rashford's form did not necessarily justify that call in March but playing at Villa put him back on the radar. As long as the mindset is right and Emery can harness the talent which convinced United to pay Borussia Dortmund £73m for Sancho in 2021, there remains a chance he could follow in Rashford's resurgent footsteps.
The triple arrival on deadline day meant Villa's business went from underwhelming and worrying to promising - especially in Elliott's case. It would be wrong to say it was haphazard, Villa could only work with the finances they had.
Late, yes, but with Villa looking undercooked and aimless in their opening winless and goalless three games, the arrivals are very much needed.
Villa 'weaker' despite dealspublished at 11:07 BST 2 September
11:07 BST 2 September
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Former Aston Villa forward Garry Thompson says the squad is "weaker" after the summer transfer window compared to last season.
Villa allowed Leon Bailey to join Roma on a season-long loan and sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, as multiple loan players like Marco Asensio also returned to their parent clubs.
On deadline day Unai Emery brought in former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof and signed Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on loan.
"You don't expect Lindelof to play 20-30 games, but he is a good squad player who can come in and help if we have injuries," said Thompson on BBC Radio WM. "For his age, he is a decent signing for cover as he also has a lot of experience.
"Fans aren't panicking, but we haven't scored a goal or even threatened for one, so you need his experience to calm everyone down a little bit.
"I think we're still weaker. Jadon Sancho doesn't give you enough in contrast to his wages, for me.
"It's clicked twice at Borussia Dortmund, but at everywhere else he has flashes of showing his ability but he doesn't show his pace and stretching sides enough.
"He also doesn't score or assist enough. I am hopeful Unai Emery can get a tune out of him, but I can't see how he will add to what we have got."
He was limited to 18 Premier League appearances as Liverpool won the title last season, 16 of them as a substitute.
In comparison, he made 53 appearances in all competitions, including 27 starts, in the 2023-24 campaign when he scored four goals and provided 11 assists.
'A brilliant move' for Elliottpublished at 18:19 BST 1 September
18:19 BST 1 September
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Ex-England player Stephen Warnock believes Harvey Elliott will be a good fit for Aston Villa.
"This is a brilliant move for both Harvey Elliott and Aston Villa," Warnock said on BBC Sport's Transfer Deadline Day Special.
"I think he needs to play football, he needs to have that opportunity to showcase what he can do. The biggest question mark is what's his best position?
"At the Under-21s Euros, he played as a 10, off the left-hand side, off the right-hand side. He played midfield. That's the versatility that Unai Emery is buying.
"But there is an element where Harvey Elliott needs to pin down a position and make sure he's a regular in that position."
Watch West Midlands special for transfer deadline daypublished at 17:55 BST 1 September
17:55 BST 1 September
Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special for West Midlands clubs, focusing on the business done by Aston Villa and Wolves, plus the region's EFL sides.
The show offered all the latest updates and analysis for your team's transfer business.
'Elliott is a real talent' and Emery can get 'the best of Sancho'published at 14:59 BST 1 September
14:59 BST 1 September
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We asked for your views on Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, who Aston Villa are closing in on loan deals for.
Here are some of your comments:
Matt: Not sure about Sancho, but I'm hoping he has a point to prove - and if anyone can get the best out of him, it's Unai Emery. Harvey Elliott, on the other hand, would be a really great signing. Really excited by that one!
Matt: Good news just when we needed it, especially after Sunday's result. Elliott is a real talent and Victor Lindelof is a solid back-up for Ezri Konsa. Sancho needs to deliver, but Emery has a great record for getting the best out of players, so hopefully he can turn up for us.
Satch: These new players bought into Villa will not help creativity and resolve the issue with lack of goals scored recently. It's going to be a long season, I fear.
Chris: We really need to bolster our attack after a poor start to the season. Hopefully these lads will compete well for us and get our season going properly.
Matt: Elliott is a great signing. He can now push Rogers as the number 10. I would love to see the best of Sancho at Villa. If Emery can't get it out of him then no-one can!
Scott: More high wages for unproven professionals. Still the same old problems. Where is Marco Asensio?
Sancho and Elliott close in on Villa moves - send your thoughtspublished at 13:37 BST 1 September
13:37 BST 1 September
Aston Villa are closing in on loan deals for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho.
Manchester United winger Sancho, 25, turned down a move to Roma earlier in the window, while there has also been interest from fellow Italian side Juventus.
Sancho has spent most of the past 18 months on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea but neither club made the deal permanent.
He joined United for £73m four years ago but has not played for the club since August 2024.
As for Liverpool's 22-year-old midfielder Elliott, his loan move will include an obligation to buy for £35m.
Both Sancho and Elliott are now at Villa to complete medicals and the formalities of their deals.
United sources say 80% of Sancho's wages will be covered by Villa, while also included are easily achievable bonuses that would take the total up to 100%.
Man Utd end Martinez pursuitpublished at 12:42 BST 1 September
12:42 BST 1 September
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, opting to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens instead.
United have agreed a deal worth £18m for the Belgian goalkeeper so will not take their interest in Martinez any further.
After Sunday's loss against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said the club needed to "fix" the situation with the Argentina international amid interest from the Old Trafford club.
Martinez played against Brentford on Saturday, 23 August, but was not in the squad for the defeat by Palace.
Image source, Getty Images
