For a generation of Aston Villa supporters, all they would have known before Unai Emery’s arrival was struggle and constant fight to provide the goods in various divisions.
The Villans spent numerous years in the Championship before promotion back to the Premier League in 2018/19, but often languished close to the relegation zone upon their return.
However, the Spaniard’s arrival in November 2022 has catapulted them to new heights for the club, with the 54-year-old leading the club to numerous top-six finishes in England’s top-flight.
Thursday’s 4-0 win over Bologna at Villa Park has led the club to the Europa League semi-final, with the side now just three games away from winning another European trophy.
Despite the huge amount of success still up for grabs this term, the hierarchy appear to be keeping one eye on the summer transfer window and their attempts to further bolster the senior ranks.
Aston Villa leading the race to land Premier League star
Over recent weeks, Aston Villa have been mentioned as just one of multiple top-flight clubs linked with a summer move to land out-of-contract Fulham star Harry Wilson.
It’s been reported that the Welshman is set to depart the Cottagers at the end of the campaign, with the 29-year-old yet to be offered fresh terms by Marco Silva’s side.
Emery’s men are one of the sides pushing hard to land the attacker this summer, but aren’t alone, as Everton and Liverpool are also trying to secure his signature.
However, Wilson isn’t the only Premier League star currently in the Villans’ sights this window, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford another who’s under consideration.
According to TEAMtalk, Emery’s side are leading the race to land the shot-stopper, who’s only made three Premier League appearances for the Citizens this season.
The report also states that Villa are pushing to complete a potential transfer, but face competition from Leeds United for the 23-year-old’s signature at present.
Whilst Pep Guardiola’s men wouldn’t want to lose the youngster during the off-season, they could be tempted to cash in if an offer of £40m is presented by any interested party.
Why Trafford would be Villa’s next Morgan Rogers
Villa’s work in the transfer window over the last few years has enabled the recent success under Emery, with the signing of Morgan Rogers potentially being their best in recent memory.
The 23-year-old joined from Middlesbrough for a reported £8m in the January window of 2024, with his subsequent move now looking like a bargain amid his recent form.
He’s since registered 27 goals and 21 assists in his 117 appearances for the Villans, which has enabled the attacker to become a regular England international in recent months.
His recent form also hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have both been touted with a £100m transfer for Rogers during the off-season.
However, despite the difference in positions, Trafford could repeat a deal for Rogers, with the attacker also a product of City’s impressive academy setup.
Neither have managed to have a fair crack of the whip during their respective periods at the Etihad, with the goalkeeper able to further his career in the West Midlands – just as his compatriot has done.
Despite his struggles under Pep throughout the recent campaign, he’s previously starred in the Premier League – as seen during his time in Burnley’s senior ranks.
James Trafford – PL stats (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
28
Clean sheets
2
Goals conceded
62
Saves made
3.8
Save percentage
65%
Successful passes
30
High claims
1.1
Long balls completed
6.5
He featured 28 times during the 2023/24 campaign, with many of his stats preventing the Clarets from suffering an even more embarrassing relegation than they did that term.
Trafford kept two clean sheets during the relegation-hit campaign, but managed to register a staggering 3.8 saves per 90 – ranking him in the top 25% of all ‘keepers in the division.
He also registered 1.1 high claims per 90 during his one top-flight year at Turf Moor, demonstrating his impressive ability to command his area – something that’s needed at Villa Park.
However, his biggest asset would certainly be his ability with his feet, as seen by his tally of 30 passes completed per 90, whilst achieving 6.5 long balls completed per game.
James Trafford for Burnley.
£40m would be a huge statement of intent from the Villa hierarchy, but it would be a move that would allow the club to secure a long-term option between the sticks.
Trafford is an excellent young talent, but desperately needs an extended run as a number one to help him establish his full potential in the Premier League.
Should he make the move and get anywhere near the levels produced by Rogers, it would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that would take Emery’s side to the next level.
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