Unai Emery has committed to Aston Villa with a new five-year contract, extending his stay until 2029. This move comes as a significant boost for the club as they gear up for their first season in the Champions League in decades.
Villa’s co-owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, prioritized securing Emery with a long-term deal following an impressive Premier League season. Villa finished fourth, earning a spot in Europe’s top competition for the first time since the 1982-83 season, right after their European Cup victory.
Since his arrival in October 2022, Emery has drastically improved the club’s fortunes, pulling them out of relegation danger and setting them on a path to success. Emery has been granted full autonomy and collaborates closely with President of Football Monchi and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany.
“We are building something special here at Aston Villa with Unai at its core and we are delighted that he has signed a new deal,” said Sawiris, the Villa chairman. “As we move into our historic, 150th anniversary year, there is a lot to look forward to with Unai at the helm.”
Last month, Villa extended Emery’s previous contract to 2027 to fend off interest from other clubs, including Bayern Munich. However, they always intended to negotiate a longer-term deal during the off-season.
“We are really excited to continue this journey with no limits to our dreams,” Emery said. “I am very happy to take this step and the responsibility of leading this club.”
In other news, Ross Barkley is expected to be one of Villa’s first signings this summer. The midfielder is close to joining from relegated Luton. Barkley, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Villa Park from Chelsea, making 24 appearances, is set to return to the club on a permanent basis for a modest fee.