Aston Villa will head into the upcoming season eager to build on what was undoubtedly a hugely productive 2023/24 campaign.
Villa claimed fourth spot in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League for the first time since 1982/83.
They also reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, further highlighting the progress they have made under manager Unai Emery.
Although early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup were disappointing, they failed to take the gloss of a memorable season for the club.
With the Midlands giants eager to keep pushing forward, we assess their chances of making further progress under Emery this season.
Summer transfer business looks promising
The club’s summer transfer business indicates they are serious about building on the foundations Emery has laid at the club since his appointment.
Midfielder Douglas Luiz has left Villa to join Juventus and has been replaced by Belgian star Amadou Onana, who was previously with Everton.
The 22-year-old looks a good fit for Villa, and his mix of defensive and attacking attributes is likely to bring out the best in his teammates.
Ross Barkley and Enzo Barrenechea are other useful additions, giving Emery plenty of different of options he can utilise in the middle of the park.
Left-back Ian Maatsen is another noteworthy acquisition, having joined the club following a successful spell on loan with Borussia Dortmund. According to Football Today, Villa have paid Chelsea more than £35 million to secure his services, but the outlay could prove to be excellent value.
There are likely to be more signings and departures before the transfer window closes as Emery strives to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
Another top-four finish is the minimum aim
While Villa did well to clinch a top four finish last season, it is worth noting that they finished a long way behind champions Manchester City.
Bridging a gap of 23 points will extremely difficult given the quality in City’s squad and Villa may have to set their sights a little lower this season.
With Arsenal expected to be City’s main challengers again this season, claiming third place will likely be as good as it gets for Villa.
Liverpool filled that spot last term, but the Midlands outfit are capable of overhauling them if everything falls into place.
New manager Arne Slot may not find it easy to match Jurgen Klopp’s achievements with the Reds and Villa must be ready to take advantage if the opportunity arises.
With pressure also likely to come from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Man United, the battle to finish inside the top four is guaranteed to be fierce.
However, this must be the minimum requirement for Villa if they are serious about establishing themselves as a big-hitter in the Premier League.
Champions League progress would be a bonus
Villa were rated as one of the favourites to win the 2023/24 Europa Conference League by Sports Today but ultimately failed to progress past the semi-finals.
Their 6-2 aggregate defeat against Olympiacos was a disappointing way to end what had been a thrilling run to the last four of the competition.
Villa face a big step up in class in Europe this season as they rub shoulders with the continent’s elite clubs in the prestigious Champions League.
They will play eight matches in the new league phase of the revamped competition, and their low European ranking means the draw is unlikely to be too kind to them.
However, Emery’s previous track record of success in Europa with Sevilla and Villarreal means it would be foolish to underestimate Villa’s hopes of making progress.
They should be capable of at least reaching the knockout play-off round, which would give them a chance of reaching the last-16.
Achieving that feat would cement Villa’s progress under Emery and make them an even more attractive proposition to potential new signings next summer.
Domestic cups offer Villa the best route to silverware
Given the investment made by the club’s owners, it is not unreasonable to think that Villa should be challenging for silverware next season.
They made early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last term and must focus on performing better in each competition this season.
Villa have not won a major since the 1995/96 campaign when they defeated Leeds United 3-0 to clinch the League Cup at Wembley Stadium.
The domestic cup competitions are Villa’s best chance of ending their trophy drought and Emery must take both of them seriously.
A top-four finish coupled with progress in the Champions League and domestic cup success would unquestionably represent an excellent season for Villa.
