If there is one manager in world football who has the ability to reignite the spark in a talented yet mercurial player, it’s Aston Villa’s Unai Emery. A master tactician, Emery has built a reputation for bringing the best out of players who might have lost their way or struggled under previous management. His track record includes coaxing career-best performances out of the likes of Alberto Moreno, Aleix Vidal, and Arnaut Danjuma during his successful stints in European competitions. Now, Emery is eyeing one of football’s most enigmatic talents: João Félix.
The Emery Effect: Turning Potential into Reality
Unai Emery has already demonstrated his transformative effect at Aston Villa. After taking over from Steven Gerrard, Emery managed to do what even the esteemed Martin O’Neill could not—securing Champions League qualification for the club. The turnaround in Villa’s fortunes was remarkable, with the team moving from a mid-table underperformer to one of the Premier League’s most exciting outfits in the 2023/24 season.
For those who might dismiss Villa’s recent success as a mere flash in the pan, the club’s activities in the transfer market suggest otherwise. Villa’s signings indicate that the club is not just content with a single successful season; they are building a foundation for sustained success. While the departure of Douglas Luiz was a blow, the acquisitions of the highly talented Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea as part of that deal have added depth and quality to the squad.
Furthermore, the additions of Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, and a resurgent Ross Barkley have bolstered Villa’s ranks, while Amadou Onana’s towering performances in pre-season have already begun to justify his £50 million price tag. Yet, amidst all these promising signings, the potential arrival of João Félix could be the crown jewel in Aston Villa’s lineup.
João Félix: The Missing Piece?
Aston Villa’s pursuit of João Félix is driven by Unai Emery’s admiration for the Portuguese international. Reports indicate that Villa have already held talks with Atlético Madrid, offering £50 million for the forward, alongside a proposed contract worth £115,000 per week. The deal represents a significant investment, but one that could pay off handsomely if Félix can rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.
Despite Félix’s struggles at Atlético Madrid, where he never quite fit into Diego Simeone’s rigid system, his talent is undeniable. Félix arrived at Atlético in 2019 as the world’s fourth-most expensive player, costing the Spanish club £113 million. However, his flair and creativity often seemed at odds with Simeone’s more conservative, defense-first approach. As a result, Félix was loaned to Barcelona last season, where he showed glimpses of his immense potential but lacked the consistency to justify his hefty price tag.
Why Aston Villa and Emery Could Be the Perfect Fit
Terry Gibson, a noted Spanish football expert, believes that a move to Aston Villa under Emery could be exactly what Félix needs to reignite his career. Speaking on the El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast, Gibson highlighted the importance of a manager who truly believes in Félix and is willing to give him the freedom to express himself on the pitch. “He needs a manager that backs him. Unai Emery is keen to get [him]. He needs that manager who really wants him,” Gibson said
At Aston Villa, Félix would likely be given the opportunity to play a central role in the team’s attacking setup. Emery’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on quick, dynamic attacking football could be the perfect environment for Félix to thrive. Unlike at Atlético Madrid, where he often found himself constrained by Simeone’s disciplined tactics, Félix would have the freedom to roam, create, and score at Villa Park.
The Risk and Reward of Signing João Félix
Of course, signing Félix is not without its risks. Aston Villa have previously been burned by high-profile signings that failed to live up to expectations. The case of Nicolò Zaniolo, who struggled during the 2023/24 season before returning to Serie A with Atalanta, is a cautionary tale. Big-name attackers who arrive with high expectations but fail to adapt can disrupt the squad’s balance and morale.
However, Gibson is confident that Félix could succeed where others have failed. “He would play at Aston Villa if he plays well enough. Unai Emery wants him. That would be the ideal move and, at Villa, he would bring star quality,” Gibson added. The potential for Félix to bring that extra bit of magic, the star quality that can turn games on their head, is precisely what Aston Villa are looking for as they aim to solidify their status among the Premier League’s elite.
Chelsea’s Interest: A Competing Offer
Villa’s pursuit of Félix is not without competition. Chelsea have also expressed interest in bringing the Portuguese star back to Stamford Bridge, where he spent a loan spell in the previous season. Chelsea’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Félix now has to weigh the options of returning to a familiar environment versus embarking on a new challenge at Villa Park.
For Félix, the decision may ultimately come down to where he believes he can best showcase his talents and rebuild his reputation. At Chelsea, he would be joining a squad in the midst of a major rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, while at Villa, he would be stepping into a team on the rise, led by a manager with a proven track record of getting the best out of his players.
A Gamble Worth Taking?
For Aston Villa, the pursuit of João Félix represents both a significant risk and a potential game-changing reward. If Félix can recapture the form that made him one of the most exciting young talents in world football, he could be the player that helps Villa take the next step in their journey under Unai Emery. With the backing of a manager who believes in him, Félix has the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as a key figure in one of the Premier League’s most ambitious projects.
In the end, whether or not Félix becomes an Aston Villa player will depend on several factors, including the outcome of negotiations with Atlético Madrid and the player’s own decision. But if Emery can work his magic once again, the sky could be the limit for both Félix and Aston Villa.