Emery Closes-in-on Aston Villa Contract Extension

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is close to agreeing a new contract that would extend his stay at Villa Park beyond 2029 and give him greater influence over the club’s long-term sporting strategy.

The Spaniard held talks with senior club officials on Wednesday, including chairman Nassef Sawiris, chief executive Roberto Olabe and director of football operations Damian Vidagany, with both sides keen to secure an extended commitment.

Discussions are continuing over the final details, including the length of the proposed deal and financial terms, although an announcement is not expected before the weekend.

Villa confirmed the meeting in a statement, saying the discussions focused on the club’s long-term direction and had established a shared commitment beyond 2029, with Emery continuing to lead its sporting project.

The club added that the common ambition was to build a competitive and ambitious team capable of challenging at the highest level.

Emery, who joined Villa from Villarreal in November 2022, is already contracted until 2029. However, the proposed extension would strengthen his authority in shaping the club’s future.

The former Arsenal, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain manager has overseen a remarkable transformation at Villa, taking them from a relegation-threatened side to regular contenders for European qualification.

Under his leadership, Villa have qualified for European competition in every full season, while their Europa League triumph in May ended a 30-year wait for a major trophy.

Despite the progress, Villa are currently 10th in the Premier League, although they have made an encouraging start to their Champions League campaign, winning three of their opening four matches.

Their current position follows a summer of significant changes, with several key players from the team that finished fourth and won European silverware departing the club.

Emery had also emerged as a potential candidate for Manchester United should the Old Trafford club decide to part ways with manager Michael Carrick.

Villa face United at Old Trafford this weekend, but the Spaniard’s impending contract extension appears set to end speculation over a possible move.

Last month, Villa threatened legal action against former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher after he suggested Emery would be an ideal candidate for the Manchester United job and told Villa supporters to “shut up”.

The club later withdrew the threat after Carragher issued an apology.

Emery’s expected new agreement would represent a significant show of confidence in the manager as Villa seek to consolidate their progress and establish themselves among English and European football’s leading clubs.