Another sore point for Emery is the failed pursuit of Gallagher after Tottenham hijacked the deal, underlining the financial reality Villa live in. Villa wanted a loan-to-buy deal but Spurs were able to offer the money up front. Villa are third in the Premier League, well placed in the Europa League before travelling to Fenerbahce on Thursday, and still in the FA Cup. "Emery's got credit in the bank," said Mo Razzaq, chairman of Aston Villa Supporters' Trust. John McGinn is not getting any younger, but would he have started week in, week out?

Source: BBC January 19, 2026 13:35 UTC