Aston Villa Eyes New Contracts for Key Players Amid Performance Challenges
Aston Villa is moving forward with plans to secure new contracts for four of its senior players, as reported by the Telegraph. The players include left-back Ian Maatsen, playmaker Emiliano Buendia, and midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley. Maatsen has already completed his contract extension, with Villa announcing on Wednesday that the Dutch defender has signed until 2032, extending his previous deal by two years.
The club has chosen the November international break to finalize these agreements. Additionally, Victor Lindelof has extended his contract until 2028, and teenager George Hemmings has reportedly reached an agreement with the club. These moves come as Villa rebuilds their squad after losing six starters from last season’s Europa League final. With the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, Maatsen has become the primary left-back. Interest from Manchester United this summer highlighted the potential cost of delaying contract conclusions.
Recent match results underscore the urgency for Villa. They currently sit in tenth place in the league after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, having led 2-0 and 4-2 before conceding an equalizer in stoppage time. Unai Emery’s squad has not secured a win since their victory over Manchester City on October 24, a streak that includes a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League. However, they remain unbeaten in their last six league matches.
What Each Player Offers
Maatsen, 24, fits well into Emery’s strategy of utilizing attacking full-backs, having participated in seven of ten league games despite suffering an ankle injury in September. After competing for two seasons with Digne, he still needs to demonstrate consistent defensive capabilities in significant matches.
Buendia, 29, marked his impact with a goal in the Europa League final, providing a valuable creative option, although his performance has been inconsistent. He managed six league goals and two assists last season but did not register any contributions in seven consecutive league fixtures. His current contract is set to expire next summer.
Barkley, 32, has made a notable contribution with three goals in the first four Champions League matches this season and displays good ball-carrying abilities alongside Boubacar Kamara. However, his age and expiring contract add complexity to evaluating his future at the club.
Onana, 25, offers height and defensive solidity but faces a lengthy recovery from an ACL tear sustained against the United States during the World Cup in July. Having been signed from Everton for £50 million in 2024, his existing contract extends to 2029.
Are Aston Villa Right to Back This Group with New Deals?
As Aston Villa’s manager Unai Emery walks toward the tunnel before the final whistle at Old Trafford, it appears that the club’s decision to back these players may be prudent, but not without its challenges. Maatsen’s extension is a straightforward choice, especially following Digne’s departure and the interest from Manchester United during the summer. A 24-year-old left-back committed until 2032 provides both a reliable starter and a valuable asset for future resale.
In contrast, extending Onana’s contract, given his injury status, represents a bolder risk. Villa already retains his services until 2029, making the decision to further extend his contract more about generosity than necessity. Delaying until his recovery progress is established might save the club from unnecessary commitments.
The contracts for Buendia and Barkley, both of whom will be available for pre-contract offers come January due to their expiring deals, present the real concern. At ages 29 and 32 respectively, neither player is likely to merit more than a two-year commitment. Young talent like Johan Manzambi already competes with Buendia, making prolonged contracts for aging midfielders a potentially costly mistake for Villa. While rewarding Maatsen is a low-risk decision, extending contracts for players nearing the end of their prime could challenge the club’s financial discipline.
