Aston Villa will open talks over a new long-term deal for Unai Emery this summer after triggering an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
Emery’s initial three-and-a-half-year deal ran until summer 2026, including a clause ensuring it could be prolonged until 2027. That clause has now been activated.
Since joining Villa in autumn 2022, Emery has masterminded a remarkable transformation of the club’s fortunes. When he replaced Steven Gerrard, Villa looked set for a relegation battle but Emery led them to seventh and qualification for the Europa Conference League.
They are now in an excellent position to qualify for next season’s Champions League and have reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they play Olympiacos over two legs next month.
Emery’s record at Villa, coupled with his achievements with Valencia, Sevilla, Paris St Germain and Villarreal, make him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe and he figured on Bayern Munich’s list of candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel, who is set to depart the German giants at the end of the season.
Unai Emery has agreed a new three-year contract at Aston Villa until the summer of 2027
Emery has helped to transform Villa since replacing Steven Gerrard back in October 2022
Emery had attracted interest from Bayern Munich, who are now set to turn to Ralf Rangnick
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Yet when Emery joined Villa, he was effectively handed the keys to the football side of the club by co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, and the 52-year-old knows he is unlikely to be granted that level of control elsewhere.
Villa’s win over Bournemouth on April 21 allowed them to strengthen their position in fourth place, six points clear of Tottenham, who have two games in hand. Villa face Chelsea at Villa Park on Saturday, meaning the gap could be nine points by the time Spurs take on Arsenal on Sunday.
The news is a blow for Bayern, who have already seen key targets Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann rule themselves out of the running after committing their futures to Bayer Leverkusen and Germany, respectively.
Sky Germany reported the German giants are now set to turn to former Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, despite his struggles at Old Trafford.
The report claims Bayern have already held negotiations with Rangnick, who has impressed since taking over as Austria boss in 2022.
Both Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann have already rejected overtures from Bayern Munich
Villa are on course to qualify for the Champions League, while they are in the Europa Conference League semi-finals as the club looks to win their first trophy since 1996
Speaking on Sunday after Villa’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, Emery had seemingly rubbished links to Bavaria when questioned as he said: ‘I am focused here, 100 per cent.’
Emery has a stunning record of 44 wins from 77 games in charge of the Villans.
He has helped to develop a hugely impressive team and improve multiple players, including the likes of Ollie Watkins, with the former Brentford star adding 38 goal contributions in 47 games in all competitions this season.
