Keep, Loan, Sell - Aston Villa (Summer 2023)

To say this season has been a mixed bag for Aston Villa would be something of an understatement.

While there have been highs to the season such as finally beating Manchester United at home for the first time in decades, there have also been embarrassing defeats to the likes of Stevenage and Leicester. The early season form under Steven Gerrard was also dismal, leading to the Liverpool legend getting sacked less than a year after being appointed.

However, this has all been put behind them now. Unai Emery looks to be hailing in a bright future at Villa Park, finally giving fans a bit of hope. The January transfer window saw a mass exodus of depth players which, in truth, was needed for some time. While much of the focus this summer will be on incomings, there are still players that need to be moved on and others who need to be kept.

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martinez – Keep

While the Argentinian World Cup hero arguably does not suit Emery’s system due to his spotty distribution, he is still a world class goalkeeper that needs to be kept at Villa Park.

Jed Steer – Release

Steer is a cult hero at Villa Park for his performances in the run to promotion, but his time has passed. His contract expires at the end of the season and should not be renewed.

Robin Olsen – Sell

Aside from the victory over Tottenham on New Year’s Day, Olsen simply has never had a good game in a Villa shirt. He is almost guaranteed to leak goals and is in no way a dependable backup.

Viljami Sinisalo – Loan

The Finnish ‘keeper has bags of potential, but that will not be realised sat on Villa’s bench. He endured a difficult loan spell at Burton Albion this season and he could do with another to boost his confidence.

Defenders

Matty Cash – Keep

While his form has declined this season, acting like Cash is not a good right-back is absurd. One dodgy season should not be enough to cast someone out and he is worth persisting with.

Diego Carlos – Keep

Carlos is a top-quality centre-back and has been for many years. When he comes back from his injury, he should be straight into contention and should be a starter next season.

Ezri Konsa – Keep

Konsa has stagnated somewhat since his excellent first two seasons at Villa, but he has definitely improved under Emery and deserves to keep his place.

Tyrone Mings – Keep

The former Villa captain has just been given a new contract so he will definitely stay for next season. However, he should not be a guaranteed starter.

Alex Moreno – Keep

Moreno only arrived in January and already looks a marked improvement on Lucas Digne. He deserves to be a starter going forward.

Calum Chambers – Sell

The former Arsenal man has failed to continue his strong early form in claret and blue and has put in some truly disastrous performances this season.

Ashley Young – Keep

There are zero downsides to keeping Young for another year. He will not be on massive money, he sets a great example for young players and has been one of Villa’s best players this season.

Lucas Digne – Sell

The French international has been a serious flop at Villa Park. He is one of the highest earners at the club and cost an enormous fee, so he should be moved on.

Midfielders

Douglas Luiz – Keep

The Brazilian star showed a great amount of faith in Villa by signing a new contract earlier this season and he has consistently been one of the better players in the squad.

John McGinn – Keep

McGinn is no world-beater, but he is a very dependable man to have in the midfield. He has arguably been the most improved player since Emery came in and he deserves to stay.

Bertrand Traore – Sell

Traore is something of a maverick, but as a result he blows too hot and cold. He is unplayable on his day and is a very likeable player, but it is probably best if he moves on.

Emiliano Buendia – Keep

Buendia is an enigma. He is often unplayable coming off the bench and is a great option to change a game, but he shrinks when starting. However, he should definitely be kept as a depth option.

Philippe Coutinho – Sell

This is probably the hardest player to decide on in the squad. While he has been a ghost for most of the season, there are sparks of life there. He had an excellent game against Arsenal and is in good form, but if that form does not last then he should be moved on.

Leon Bailey – Sell

As tough as it is to admit, it has not worked for Bailey. The explosive winger had a strong start to the season but has faded massively in recent months. It is probably best if he moves on.

Leander Dendoncker – Kept

The Belgian international is the definition of an unremarkable player, but he may be worth keeping as a depth option. He can cover multiple positions and is usually dependable when called upon.

Jacob Ramsey – Keep

As expected, Ramsey has had a quieter season compared to his breakout year in 2021/22. However, he is still the future of Villa’s midfield and needs to be kept.

Boubacar Kamara – Keep

While he is in spotty form now, Kamara is a player straight out of the top drawer. Villa pulled of a coup when signing him and they need to build around him.

Forwards

Ollie Watkins – Keep

The England international is in the form of his life right now and he could be incredibly useful to Villa going forward.

Jhon Duran – Keep

The Colombian starlet needs time to settle into life in England after his January arrival, but all the signs are good for him to become a star at Villa Park.

Players out on loan

Wesley – Sell

It is hard not to feel sorry for Wesley given his injury plight, but he needs to find a permanent

home to rebuild his career.

Jaden Philogene-Bidace – Sell

Despite looking promising at one point, Bidace has underwhelmed in his two Championship loans and should probably be moved on.

Keinan Davis – Sell

Davis should have been sold last summer as it was clear that he was unwanted at Villa, but the striker needs to find a new club soon.

Kortney Hause – Sell

Hause is a likeable person and a dependable defender at Championship level, but it is clear that he is no longer required at Villa.

Tim Iroegbunam – Loan

While he has faded in recent weeks as loan club QPR’s form collapsed, he is still an incredibly promising talent that needs to be nurtured.

Cameron Archer – Keep

In truth, he should not have been loaned out in January with Danny Ings leaving the club. However, he deserves a proper crack at the first team next season.

Morgan Sanson – Sell

While he is a good player, Sanson’s time at Villa has been an unmitigated disaster. He needs to move on for his own good.

Marvelous Nakamba – Sell

The Zimbabwean star is a very underrated player, but it is clear that Villa have outgrown him with the arrival of Kamara. A player of his quality deserves more regular football.