Reducing squad age and 2026-27 expectations

[BBC] [Getty Images] In the final part of Friday's Aston Villa Q&A, football reporter Nick Mashiter focuses on the club's transfer plans and targets for 2026-27. Lauren asked: Villa say they are trying to reduce the average age of the squad but also hold interest in players on the wrong side of their 20s. Do they go for a youth approach or stick with a tried-and-tested, ready-made approach? Nick: It's an interesting one because Unai Emery wants ready-made players who can instantly perform - what manager doesn't? - while Roberto Olabe was brought in as president of sporting operations with a slightly different overall remit. Of course Olabe wants to deliver for Emery but he joined with the mid to long-term view in mind. Villa knew they needed to lower the age range and they had the second-highest average squad age in the Premier League last season. Olabe is here to help change that - the signings of Alysson and Brian Madjo in January point to this. The 'tried-and-tested' approach costs a lot more, of course. There has needed to be some compromise between Emery and Olabe, but their long-term relationship ensures they are able to do that. See Villa's full 2026-27 Premier League fixture list Martyn asked: Given our financial constraints, both in terms of compliance and revenue, plus the potential re-emergence of Chelsea and Tottenham , what do you think is a realistic league target? Nick: Emery will demand the top four again and, should Villa achieve that, it will be the game-changer they need. Two successive years of Champions League money would shift the goalposts. Realistically, we can only start to judge come the end of the window and then won't be able to seriously start assessing until October (I know it sounds boring). For me, they were a little fortunate last season. The failings of others - Liverpool , Chelsea and Tottenham - allowed them to take advantage, but Villa were not as consistently good as they were in the previous two campaigns. The wonderful run before Christmas put them in a position they did not let slip, but just four wins in 16 games from the start of January until the victory over Liverpool that confirmed a top-four place left me feeling at the time they were a little lucky to still be in those positions. As you mention, will Chelsea and Spurs be as bad this season with new management? Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola, will also be looking to improve so Villa need to raise their game again. Scroll down this page to read back over the first three parts of Nick's Q&A. Get Villa score updates on your lock screen in 2026-27