Aston Villa and £40m conundrum as Jhon Duran deal could hold key to Joao Felix transfer

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Champions League, laugh!

Yes, Aston Villa are competing in European football’s premier competition this season and yes, the claret and blue faithful have a pretty pleased chuckle to themselves.

Just five years after being reinstated to the top flight following a Championship play-off final victory over Derby County at Wembley, Villa have toppled the established elite and are determined to retain their place at the top table.

With PSR, FFP and other financial acronyms proving to be more challenging opponents than many of their Premier League rivals last season, the powers that be at Villa Park have been eyeing a calculated change this summer.

Losing Douglas Luiz to balance the books has been the biggest blow so far, but Villa’s disappointment over the Brazilian midfielder’s move to Juventus is offset by the arrivals from the Turin club of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior.

Then there is the exciting capture of Borussia Dortmund’s Championship League finalist Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and the return of Ross Barkley to Witton after a productive spell at Luton Town, with many more transfer moves to come.

The imminent signing of Amadou Onana from Everton will be another major blow for Villa, while talented rookie Jaden Philogene-Bidace has been to Hull and back with the prospect of plenty of unfinished business in claret and blue when the return it will end.

With Villa also running fast from the Premier League to Champions League contenders in the first 18 months, Emery is determined to keep up the pace of progress.

Being competitive in Europe will be a key priority, as will cementing the club’s status in the upper echelons of the top flight. Another top-four finish is a big ask, especially with Villa fans clamoring for a first trophy in almost three decades, but Emery thrives on expectations and positively encourages the masses at Villa Park to dream.

Whichever way you look at it, this is a great time to be an Aston Villa fan and celebrate the optimism in the B6 that we have produced. Aston Villa start 2024-25 special, our brilliant guide to the new season.

Our Villa man John Townley tells you what to expect from Villa in 2024/25, shines the spotlight on Emery, checks in on the new signings and identifies those to watch who could be key to success.

Our club-by-club guides give you information on Villa’s Premier League rivals and managers across the division, while our away days pages will tell you everything you need to know about the grounds Villa will visit.

With a full list of programs and key dates for the campaign, Aston Villa 2024-25 kick off launch will get you back into tip-top shape in time for Villa’s curtain-raiser opener at West Ham on Saturday 17 August.

Order your copy now from our online store and receive it directly at your door.

On sale in selected independent retailers and supermarkets in Birmingham priced at £3.50 from Wednesday 7 August 2024. Worldwide delivery available, postage and packaging apply.