Aston Villa

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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.

The goalless draw with Newcastle on opening day is Villa's only point so far, having lost to Brentford and Crystal Palace.

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."

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.

Window Rating: 5/10

Find more from Hannah Gowen at UTV, external

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

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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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."

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.

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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."

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Aston Villa did not receive a bid from Manchester United for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. (Sky Sports), external

Martinez was not keen on a move to Galatasaray, despite reports from Turkey of a bid worth £21.6m. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Aston Villa have completed the loan signing of Harvey Elliott from Liverpool.

The 22-year-old will join on an initial season-long loan, with an obligation to buy for £35m included in the deal.

Elliott has played just once for Liverpool this season, making a brief appearance from the bench in their Premier League game against Newcastle.

In June, he said he does not want to be "wasting years" in his career and would consider his future with the Reds.

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.

Aston Villa have completed a season-long loan deal for Manchester United's Jadon Sancho.

The forward signed for United for £73m in 2021 but has spent much of the past 18 months on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.

Now 25, Sancho has 12 goals in 89 Premier League appearances.

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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 the Deadline Day special

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.

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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?

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%.

How do you feel about deals for the two forwards?

Are they what Villa need?

And can they flourish under Unai Emery?

Get in touch here

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Victor Lindelof on a two-year-deal.

The Sweden international left Manchester United this summer after eight years at the club in which he made 241 appearances.

Prior to his time at Old Trafford, he spent five years with Benfica after joining them as a youth player in 2012.

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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.

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We asked for your views on what is still needed by Aston Villa on transfer deadline day.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Keep hold of what we've got! Really sad that we sold Jacob Ramsey - great player. Hope we can complete a deal for Marco Asensio as he was outstanding when we had him on loan last season.

Tim: Need a right-back, right centre-back and an attacking midfielder.

Paul: We need another quality centre-back, another right winger and someone who can put a ball between the sticks. So a minimum of three, but FFP will put a stop to that. In Emery we trust. UTV.

Isaac: I want a big signing before the end of deadline day to make up for this lack of activity. Asensio seems likely but a centre-back would be ideal.

Rich: Many things. Lucas Paqueta and Asensio would be a start. We can't lose Emiliano Martinez now, regardless of whether he wants to leave or not. You don't sell your first-choice players on the last day of the window.

Lewis: Asensio and Marcus Rashford have been the big losses quality-wise from last season, so they're the ones we need to replace as a bare minimum. I'd take Asensio back, for sure. With Rashford not an option, I'd like to see a quality wide player take his place in the squad. Ideally, we'd rediscover some depth too. When you factor in the departures of Ramsey, Leon Bailey and Axel Disasi, we've lost five players from the squad that finished the season. Evann Guessand covers one, but that still leaves us four short.

Aston Villa have held talks with Manchester United over a move for England winger Jadon Sancho, 25. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Villa have also made an approach for Royal Antwerp's 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Aberdeen to sign 17-year-old Scotland youth international midfielder Fletcher Boyd. (Football Insider), external

And Unai Emery's side are also close to signing 31-year-old Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract. (Birmingham Live), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Today is the second transfer deadline day of the summer following a brief closure in June because of the Club World Cup.

In a change to previous windows, clubs only have until 19:00 BST to complete deals, bringing the Premier League in line with the EFL, Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1 and Germany's Bundesliga. The window in Scotland and Spain remains open until 23:00 BST.

It has already been a hectic window - with a number of storylines still to be resolved - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Stuart: Again Palace show what they're capable of - composed and clinical in defence, quick on the break and took advantage of the best opportunities. Well done Palace!

Jerry: In truth, we didn't really get out of second gear, but we hardly needed to. It was a very controlled and comfortable performance. We certainly need the international break now.

Chris: Palace were magnificent tonight. We absorbed all the pressure and then hit them hard after an hour and got the same result as the last time we tore them to shreds. That's six games unbeaten to start the season, oh plus one piece of silverware! COYP.

Villa fans

Sarain: It was the worst Villa performance I have watched in years. From back to front, everything was a complete mess. There must be something going on behind the scenes, because the team just didn't look right. We need to sign a couple of players tomorrow to strengthen the squad. Preferably players that have pace and are direct, otherwise the rest of the season is going to be hard to watch.

Jill: That terrific night against Bayern and the gutsy display against PSG now seem like an awfully long time ago. Where have the energy and creativity gone? Goal difference already minus four. If whoever is here after the international break can't stop this slide, the fans may well be thinking Unai's race could be run.

Russell: Utter garbage. Emery made the changes most fans were asking for and the performance was worse than last week. Difficult to see where we go from here. Monday will be a busy day but it's difficult to see us bringing in what's needed to change things as drastically as is required. Thank goodness for the international break for a brief respite if nothing else.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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• Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

• Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal

• Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace