Unai Emery identifies the defensive position Aston Villa must strengthen in January | OneFootball

Aston Villa's defensive vulnerabilities take centre stage as manager Unai Emery prioritises strengthening his backline during the January transfer window. Injuries to key defenders have exposed the team's depth issues, forcing Emery to navigate carefully through Financial Fair Play restrictions while seeking reinforcements, particularly at right-back. The Spanish tactician must weigh incoming transfers against potential departures to maintain regulatory compliance.

Villa's defensive crisis deepened after Spanish centre-back Pau Torres suffered a metatarsal fracture in his right foot during a 2-2 Premier League draw against Brighton. The injury will keep him sidelined for approximately two months.

Diego Carlos compounds the problem with a minor knock, ruling him out of the Leicester City clash. "Diego Carlos is necessary," Emery emphasised, highlighting the player's importance to the squad.

The current situation leaves Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as the only fit senior centre-backs, potentially pushing young Lamare Bogarde into a more prominent role. However, this reliance on youth could prove risky as Villa competes across multiple tournaments.

Right-back reinforcements under discussion

The right-back position remains another area of concern, with Matty Cash standing as the sole established option. Young Serbian defender Kosta Nedeljkovic, acquired from Red Star Belgrade last year, has struggled to cement his place, managing only four Premier League appearances. Emery suggested a potential loan move, stating, "One option is to let him go on loan," to aid his development.

Villa's pursuit of defensive talent led to a £12.4 million bid for Flamengo's promising 21-year-old full-back Wesley. The Brazilian club rejected the offer, and with Wesley's contract running until 2028, plus interest from other European clubs, securing his signature might require increased investment. Emery acknowledged these financial constraints, saying, "We have to be intelligent" about staying within FFP limits.

Balancing new signings with departures

Following a close brush with FFP regulations last summer, Villa must maintain careful financial management. The previous £42.5 million sale of Douglas Luiz provided essential financial flexibility. "We have to use different ways to improve our level in the squad," Emery noted, emphasising the need for balanced transfer activities.

Several squad members could depart temporarily to create room for new arrivals. Winger Jaden Philogene, who returned from Hull for £18 million but failed to find consistency, might secure a loan move, with relegation-threatened Ipswich Town showing interest in the 22-year-old.

Villa's positive Champions League campaign, with hopes alive for last-16 qualification, offers encouragement for Emery's January transfer plans. The club aims to maintain its financial stability while addressing defensive shortcomings.