Francesco's role crucial for Villa to keep growing

YOU would struggle to find a Villa fan who isn't confident the club can qualify for European football every season under Unai Emery.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

That's the plan, but Villa’s goal is to qualify for UEFA’s premier competition - the Champions League.

After getting a taste of it last season, they will be determined to return in 2026/27, either via their league finish or by winning the Europa League. It is a competition Emery has won four times.

Villa finished seventh in 2022/23 - a remarkable achievement considering their early-season struggles under Steven Gerrard. Emery then guided them to fourth place the following campaign.

They came agonisingly close to Champions League qualification last season, ultimately finishing sixth after a controversial 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

On the pitch, Villa's rise has been meteoric. Off it, however, the business side must catch up.

Chris Heck was appointed in spring 2023 to oversee business operations and tasked with increasing revenue streams.

Heck, an American executive, aimed to grow Villa's revenue to £400 million by 2027 comparable to clubs like AC Milan and Inter, but still around £100 million short of Chelsea, the lowest earners among the Premier League's ‘big six.

Last week, it was revealed Villa had sold their women’s team to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. However, UEFA’s financial controls also require them to reduce their wage bill - meaning further sales may be necessary.