Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has dismissed mounting speculation linking him with a sensational move to Real Madrid, following his side’s dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory over RB Salzburg.
The “Arbeloa Alternative”?
Rumours intensified this week after Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon reported that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has placed Emery on a “shortlist” for next season. With Álvaro Arbeloa facing pressure at the Bernabéu fresh off a chaotic 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica Emery’s track record of four Europa League titles makes him a prime candidate for the Spanish giants.
When grilled on the reports after Thursday’s (29/01) match at Villa Park, Emery was predictably tight-lipped:
“I have nothing to say about that,” Emery stated, focusing instead on his side’s epic comeback.
Europa League Thriller & Watkins Injury Blow
While the Madrid links dominated the headlines, Villa fans are more concerned about the fitness of Ollie Watkins. The star striker hobbled off with a suspected hamstring injury during the 3-2 win against Salzburg.
- The Match: Villa trailed 2-0 after a Victor Lindelöf own goal and a strike from Moussa Yeo.
- The Comeback: Substitutes Morgan Rogers, Tyrone Mings, and 19-year-old academy star Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba turned the game around.
- Watkins Update: “He felt something, but not much. We will test him,” Emery said. With a scan scheduled for today (Friday), Watkins is a major doubt for Sunday’s clash against Brentford.
Transfer News: Guessand Departs
Emery also confirmed that forward Evann Guessand is finalizing a loan move to Crystal Palace (which includes a £28m obligation to buy). Despite the arrival of Tammy Abraham earlier this month, the loss of Guessand combined with Watkins’ injury leaves Villa’s front line suddenly looking thin for the title race.
Coach Profile: Why Real Madrid Wants Emery
- Europa League Specialist: 4 titles (Sevilla x3, Villarreal x1).
- Tactical Discipline: Has transformed Aston Villa into a top-four powerhouse.
- Spanish Roots: Deep knowledge of La Liga, having managed Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
