Unai Emery can recycle Youri Tielemans transfer trick to realise Aston Villa's top-four dream
Aston Villa signed Youri Tielemans for free in the summer and they haven't looked back since, climbing into the Premier League top-four
While the January transfer window may be shut, Unai Emery could still explore the free-agent market. Aston Villa signed Youri Tielemans following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City in the summer, and they haven't looked back since.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who sees his deal at Villa Park expire in 2027, has featured 19 times in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards four goals. His impressive performances have bought Villa a ticket to the race for Champions League qualification.
Signing Tielemans has quickly proven to be an excellent piece of business, so Villa may well be inclined to revisit the free-agent market before the end of the campaign. Emery's side are just five points behind frontrunners Liverpool and a new face, or two, may just give them the boost they need to clinch a place in the top-four.
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So, with that being said, BirminghamLive has taken a look at four free agents Villa could sign to fuel their efforts in the race for Champions League qualification.
David De Gea
De Gea left Manchester United in the summer following the expiration of his contract. The 33-year-old goalkeeper has over 400 Premier League appearances to his name and, while he wouldn't necessarily displace Emiliano Martinez between the sticks, he would be an excellent backup option.
Josef Martinez
Signing a new striker might be the least of Villa's concerns at the moment but, with Jhorn Duran nursing a knock, Martinez could be a wildcard signing. Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers will take priority in Emery's pecking order, but the Venezuela international has managed to score 105 goals in 161 MLS appearances. Not bad.
Helder Costa
Cost left Leeds United following the expiration of his contract in October last year. The 30-year-old winger may not be at the peak of his powers but he could be an option for Emery if Villa are hit with an injury crisis.
Carlos Vela
Vela left Los Angeles FC following the expiration of his contract in January this year. The 34-year-old forward was once tipped to become the next big thing at Arsenal, but he didn't quite manage to live up to expectations.
Instead, he enjoyed stints in Spanish top flight before becoming one of the most dangerous players in front of goal in the MLS. Like a many players on this list, the Mexico international is past his best but he could be given a new lease of life at Villa under Emery.