Unai Emery is close to agreeing a new contract at Aston Villa, with talks over the finances and length of the deal continuing after a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Wednesday. The extension would run beyond his current agreement, which expires in 2029, and an announcement is unlikely before the weekend. According to Bbc.com.
Emery nears Villa extension beyond 2029 as Manchester United links persist
Villa play Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend, which gives the timing extra edge. Emery has been linked with the United job should they sack boss Michael Carrick, but he was already under contract until 2029 and is now close to signing a longer-term agreement.
On Wednesday night, Villa released a statement confirming a meeting between Emery, chairman Nassef Sawiris and executives Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany. The club said the talks centred on jointly planning its long-term strategic direction, and that they established a clear commitment beyond 2029 under Emery’s sporting leadership.
The new deal would give Emery wider responsibility for long-term development, a role he would relish. Talks are ongoing over the fine details, the finances and the length of the contract. The club’s stated objective is “to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements”.
Emery’s record explains the enthusiasm on all sides. His team won the Europa League in May, Villa’s first major trophy in 30 years, and he celebrated four years at the club last month. He has taken the side from a relegation fight to European football in every season under his management.
The backdrop to the new deal is less settled. After a tumultuous summer in which the spine of the side that finished fourth and lifted European silverware was sold, Villa are currently 10th in the Premier League. They have won three of their four opening matches in the Champions League.
The United speculation has already caused friction away from the pitch. Villa threatened pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher with legal action last month after he suggested Emery would be a good choice if United were looking for a new manager. The club dropped the threat after Carragher apologised.
