Emery close to agreeing new Aston Villa contract

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is on the verge of finalising a new contract that would extend his stay beyond the current deal that runs until 2029, the club said on Wednesday. All parties involved expressed a desire to keep him at Villa Park for the foreseeable future.

Emery said he would relish a larger role in shaping the club’s long‑term development, while discussions continue over the fine details, finances and length of the agreement. The club indicated that a public announcement is unlikely before the weekend.

The Spaniard led Villa to a Europa League triumph in May, delivering the club’s first major trophy in 30 years, and marked four years at the club last month. Since his arrival, he has turned a side fighting relegation into one that qualifies for European competition each season.

Emery has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, a team Villa are set to face this weekend at Old Trafford should they sack boss Michael Carrick. He is already contracted until 2029, but is now close to signing a longer‑term deal. On Wednesday night the club released a statement confirming a meeting between Emery, chairman Nassef Sawiris and executives Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany.

The club said: "The discussions focused on jointly planning the club's long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years. The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements."