Aston Villa’s success last season would have been a painful sight for Birmingham-born Troy Deeney.
Unai Emery‘s side upset the odds to finish fourth in the Premier League last season.
They can now look forward to Champions League nights under the lights in their upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
In anticipation of their European ventures, Aston Villa have been busy in the summer transfer window with plenty of incomings and outgoings.
Financial restraints caused by Profit and Sustainability Rules meant Villa had to sell Douglas Luiz for £42million early in the window.
But Villa have now completed eight signings of their own – including a £50million deal for Amadou Onana to take Luiz’s place.
Troy Deeney on Aston Villa next season
All eyes will be on Villa next season and whether their flurry of new signings can gel and replicate last season’s success.
With Champions League football to juggle alongside the Premier League, Emery’s squad will be tested to its limits.
Via BBC Sport, former Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney gave his verdict on Villa’s season and Amadou Onana‘s arrival.
“I said through gritted teeth that Unai Emery was my manager of the year last season but I think Villa have got worse by losing Douglas Luiz,” Deeney wrote.
“They have brought in Amadou Onana, who is a real powerhouse, but I am not sure he is a footballer in the way they play.
“The biggest reason they won’t make the top four though, is because they have got Champions League football this season. I think they will finish sixth or seventh.”
Aston Villa must answer their critics
Many are writing off Villa’s fourth-placed finish as a fluke and a one-off, but Emery’s squad must use that as fuel to prove them wrong.
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Villa now have a squad more than capable of taking on the supposed ‘Big Six’ and with Champions League football they can also test themselves against Europe’s elite.
Selling Luiz was a big blow but Villa have recruited well this summer and look well-equipped to challenge at the top end of the table again.
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