Aston Villa?s European adventure is now guaranteed to continue into 2024, and with that, boss Unai Emery now knows what he needs to plan for in the new year.
Can Villa?s squad cope with a new year European push"
A top-four position was a realistic outside chance at the start of the season, and it still is. But with the prospect of a European trophy now on the horizon, where does Emery focus his ambitions in the new year"
In an ideal world, he would focus on both. But this isn?t an ideal world, and Villa doesn?t have a squad like Manchester City or Arsenal to call on.
In the latest betting to finish in the top four, Villa are 11/5, which makes them fifth favourites. To win the Europa Conference League, the Villans are 7/2 favourites. Their odds are shorter to finish in the top four, which is remarkable, given where the club was 12 months ago when Emery was appointed. Back then, fans would have been looking over their shoulders fearing the drop. Now, Premier League relegation odds of 1000/1 almost seem laughable.
Unai Emery & Aston Villa deal details """""""" #AVFC
Contracts signed on Monday night;
Long term deal/project;
Investments in 2023 to improve the squad;
Expected salary around ?7m/year;
Release clause: ?6m to Villarreal;
Joins on next week after work permit. pic.twitter.com/lywfflapjy
? Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2022

While Villa?s European dream could end at the first knockout stage, i...