For a fourth season in succession, Aston Villa will have to juggle pushing for success in Europe whilst also balancing the demands of Premier League football.

Unai Emery’s arrival kickstarted their ability to compete against England’s elite, whilst also featuring against some of the continent’s elite for the first time in a generation.

The Europa League triumph last term handed fans memories to last a lifetime, but the Spaniard must now deal with the demands of the fanbase - who are no doubt craving added success.

If the 54-year-old is to bring future silverware to Villa Park throughout the 2026/27 campaign, he will no doubt rely on one player to provide the goods once again.

Why McGinn has become Emery’s star man at Aston Villa

After the English record departure of star man Morgan Rogers earlier this summer, the importance of John McGinn at Aston Villa has increased significantly.

The Scotsman has been the club’s captain over recent seasons, subsequently playing an influential role in helping the Villans rise up the Premier League table.

The 31-year-old, who joined from Hibernian for just £3m in 2018, has now racked up 331 appearances in the West Midlands and has often popped up with key moments in recent times.

His tally of 17 combined goals and assists last term was his best since his arrival, with his double in the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest no doubt his biggest contribution.

McGinn has undoubtedly captured the hearts of the fanbase at Villa Park, with his relentless work ethic playing a huge part in his continued success in Emery’s starting eleven.

He may be a central midfielder by trade, but he has played all over, something of a jack-of-all-trades and has found a new home on the right side of the manager’s system.

Emery has spoken highly of the fan-favourite in recent times, stating: “He is himself very demanding. He is a very good example for everybody because his commitment is always very high.”

How Aston Villa can land their next John McGinn this summer

Rogers’ big-money departure from Aston Villa has handed Emery a war chest to work from in the transfer market, which has seen multiple additions already arrive in the West Midlands.

Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have already completed their respective transfers to join the Villans, with the aforementioned pair costing just shy of £100m.

However, despite the arrival of the two central midfielders, Emery wants added reinforcements in such an area - leading to Joao Palhinha appearing on their shortlist once again.

It’s been reported by talkSPORT that the Villans have once again been in talks with the player’s agents over the possibility of a return to England after his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Lilywhites opting not to trigger their £27m buy option.

The player himself is said to be 'keen' on a return to the Premier League this window, after Bayern Munich told him he was free to leave before the market closes in September.

A deal for the Portuguese international would add further steel and quality to the heart of the Villa side - not to mention landing a player who’s similar to fan-favourite McGinn.

Both are players who have gained a reputation for being hard-working and tough-tackling talents who are incredibly difficult to dispossess given their respective frames.

Palhinha made a staggering 4.5 successful tackles per 90 last term, with such a tally ranking him in the top 2% of all deep-lying midfielders across Europe’s top-five leagues.

Such a figure would hand Emery the dominant ball-winner he needs at the heart of the side, which could allow the likes of McGinn and Manzambi to star in transition.

The 31-year-old is a natural leader, just like the Scotsman, subsequently being Sporting CP’s club captain for four seasons prior to his move to Fulham in the summer of 2022.

He would offer needed added experience to Emery’s side, especially considering the youthful additions that have already been made to bolster the midfield department this summer.

However, he can also mirror McGinn in providing key goals in forward areas, as Palhinha netted seven times for the Lilywhites last term and helped them avoid relegation to the Championship.

A loan move for the Portuguese star this summer could prove to be yet another impressive piece of business for the Villans in their attempts to achieve success in Europe and domestically.

His experience and quality could hand Emery another top-class option at the heart of his side and provide defensive cover in the absence of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana.

Should he get anywhere near the levels of McGinn in the West Midlands, it would be a superb deal and one that could see the supporters have another player to adore.