Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is in the final stages of negotiations to sign a new contract with the Birmingham club. According to reports, both parties have already discussed the team's strategic future and have expressed their intention to continue the partnership in the long term. On Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026, Aston Villa released an official statement confirming a meeting between the Spanish manager and key club leadership, emphasizing the commitment to continuing their work under Emery's sporting guidance beyond his current contract, which runs until 2029.
Meeting with the leadership: who and what was discussed
According to the official club statement, Unai Emery held a meeting with Aston Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris, President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe, and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany. During the talks, the parties discussed joint planning for the club's long-term strategic development. Aston Villa’s statement emphasizes that all stakeholders are committed to continuing under Emery’s guidance beyond 2029. "The goal is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of handling the greatest challenges and achievements," the official text noted. At the moment, the parties are aligning the financial terms of the new deal, its duration, and other details. The official announcement of the contract signing is planned once all points are finalized.
The journey from survival to the Europa League: what Emery has achieved in four years
The Spanish manager took charge of Aston Villa in 2022, moving from Villarreal. At that time, the Birmingham side was fighting for survival in the English Premier League; however, under Emery’s guidance, the team underwent a radical transformation and became a regular participant in European competitions. The pinnacle of this journey was winning the Europa League in May 2026, when Aston Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the final. This trophy marked the club's first major silverware in 30 years. Additionally, under Emery, Aston Villa has qualified for European tournaments every season, which is an unprecedented level of stability for Birmingham football.
The current season: contrast between the Champions League and Premier League
The 2026/27 season for Aston Villa has been inconsistent. Following a challenging summer transfer window during which the club parted ways with several key players, the Birmingham side currently sits 10th in the English Premier League table. According to Sport-Express, the team has earned only one point in the first four Premier League matches and has failed to score a single goal from open play. However, the situation in the Champions League is different: in the opening four matchdays, Aston Villa has secured three victories, demonstrating the vertical and attacking football that has become Emery’s signature. It is this discrepancy in form across the two tournaments that makes the contract extension so relevant: the club needs to solidify its European success while simultaneously stabilizing results in the domestic league.
Rumors about Manchester United and the match at Old Trafford
Lately, Unai Emery’s name has regularly been linked to the Manchester United head coaching role in the event of Michael Carrick's potential departure. These speculations add extra intrigue to the upcoming match: this weekend, Aston Villa will play against the Red Devils at Old Trafford. For Emery, this match will be not only a sporting test but also a symbolic one—the coach, linked to a potential move to a direct rival, will prove his commitment to the Birmingham project on the pitch. No official confirmation of Emery moving to Manchester United has been received, and the coach, according to the club, is focused on the long-term development of Aston Villa.
What’s next: terms and conditions of the new agreement
Emery’s current contract with Aston Villa runs until the summer of 2029. The new document is expected to provide for the continuation of the partnership beyond this date, effectively securing the Spaniard for the club for a horizon of at least five to six years. The manager, according to sources, is interested in playing an even more important role in the club’s long-term development—not only as a head coach but as part of the strategic management. The final announcement of the contract signature is expected after all financial and legal details are aligned. For Aston Villa, having won the Europa League and become a regular Champions League participant, retaining Emery is a key element of the plan to transform into a consistently competitive team on the European stage.
