AdminAston Villa were never expected to fly out of the blocks after a summer that saw several key players depart.
The Europa League champions lost some of their biggest stars, including Ollie Watkins, who ended his legendary Villa Park spell by joining Al-Hilal for £51m.
Despite the departures, Unai Emery has once again shown why he is regarded as one of Europe’s elite managers. Rather than allowing the changes to derail his side, he has overseen an ambitious rebuild.
Morgan Rogers’ £117m move to Chelsea created another major gap in attack, but Johan Manzambi has emerged as a potential successor, with The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell noting that the Swiss midfielder is “regarded as the direct replacement” for Rogers.
Elsewhere, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Zion Suzuki have arrived following the departures of Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez, while Joao Gomes and Leon Goretzka provide further options in midfield.
However, Nicolas Jackson could prove to be the most important addition. The £65m signing arrived from Chelsea after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Jackson scored 24 goals during his two Premier League seasons with Chelsea but also missed numerous chances. Nevertheless, his pace, movement, dribbling and ability to link play have already caught the eye.
He has scored in the Champions League against Club Brugge and opened his Premier League account against Tottenham.
If Jackson continues improving his finishing, Villa may eventually view his arrival as one of the smartest moves of their summer rebuild.
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