AdminAston Villa are preparing for what could be a challenging start to the new Premier League campaign after parting ways with two of their most influential players during the summer transfer window.
The departures have raised concerns around Villa Park despite the club strengthening several areas of the squad. Former senior Villa scout Bryan King believes Unai Emery’s side could struggle to hit the ground running after losing two key figures to rival clubs.
Several fresh faces have arrived ahead of the 2026/27 season. Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho have all joined the club, with Garnacho signing on an initial loan deal that includes an obligation to buy. However, Villa are still searching for a replacement for respected set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, who also left the club in recent weeks.
Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans were both central to Villa’s success last season, helping the club lift the Europa League trophy. Rogers featured 55 times in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists, regularly delivering decisive performances in big matches. Tielemans endured injury problems but remained a crucial player whenever he was available.
King believes replacing their influence will not be straightforward.
“I’ll tell you what, the first month of the season is going to be very interesting. Especially for Villa,” King told Football Insider.
“I can’t think of any other club who have gotten rid of two of their best players in the summer. Can you? And to let these players go to two rivals, that seems very strange to me.
“To lose those two players, OK, we’re talking a lot of money coming into the football club. But still, where do you replace them?”
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