Friday night’s victory over defending Premier League champions Liverpool was yet another reminder of how far Aston Villa have come in recent years.

The three points secured Champions League football for Unai Emery’s men next season - subsequently securing such a finish for the second time in three seasons.

However, the Spaniard still has the opportunity to secure European glory next week, as his side travel to face Bundesliga side Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul.

Regardless of the result next Wednesday, the manager will have a plan for next season as he looks to make the Villans a European and domestic powerhouse.

With the transfer window now rapidly approaching on the horizon, it presents the hierarchy to back the manager accordingly in his hunt for success in the West Midlands.

Aston Villa enter talks to sign £25m star this summer

Over recent days, Villa have stepped up their efforts in the transfer window, subsequently entering talks with Roma over the possibility of signing winger Matias Soule.

It’s been reported that a fee in the region of £35m would be required for the Argentine who’s registered 11 combined goals and assists in Serie A this campaign.

Emery’s side aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 23-year-old, with the likes of Everton and Newcastle also touted with a move for the youngster this summer.

Despite the recent interest in Soule, other attacking targets are being considered by the Villans, with Galatasaray winger Rolland Sallai another player in their sights.

According to one Turkish outlet, Villa have reached out to the Super Lig club to gain further information over the possibility of a deal for the Hungarian this summer.

The report states that Okan Buruk’s side have warned off any interested parties over the potential transfer, with the Turkish side set to stand firm when the window opens.

An asking price in the region of €25m (£21m) has been mooted in the report for the 28-year-old, who’s even operated in a right full-back during the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Sallai would be perfect for Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s recent impressive form in the Premier League and Europa League has no doubt been aided by the numbers produced by talisman Ollie Watkins.

The Englishman came under huge fire in recent months for his lack of impact, but it’s safe to say the 30-year-old has answered his critics in tremendous fashion.

Watkins has now registered 14 goal contributions in his last 12 appearances across all competitions - the most of any Villa senior member during such a period.

His latest showing against Liverpool was arguably one of his best in recent weeks, as he scored twice and registered an assist to help Emery’s side secure Champions League qualification.

He will no doubt remain a key member of the squad during the 2026/27 campaign, but it’s down to the hierarchy to land attacking quality around him to aid him in hiding test.

A deal for Sallai would undoubtedly do just that, with the 28-year-old a player who’s more than capable of delivering on the big occasions at Villa Park.

In the Champions League this campaign, the Hungarian international has created 1.2 chances per 90 whilst also achieving a 27% cross success rate.

Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 15% of players in the competition, highlighting his ability to provide opportunities for those around him.

He’s also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted in Europe’s biggest competition, subsequently winning 2.4 fouls per 90 in the process.

Like his chances created and cross success, his fouls won tally has ranked highly amongst similar players - subsequently winning more than 97% of players in the competition.

The aforementioned figure undoubtedly showcases the threat he poses to the opposition, whilst having the end product to hand Watkins with added chances in front of goal.

£25m for a player of Sallai’s quality would be an excellent piece of business for Villa, with Emery’s side landing a player who’s entering the prime years of his career.

Should he replicate his form from Galatasaray at Villa Park, he would no doubt be a player who can help Watkins and the Villans reach the next level under the manager’s guidance.