Will we qualify for the CL?

[rob_bridge]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7234035/2026/04/28/aston-villa-squad-age-profile-europa-league/?unlocked_article_code=1.eVA.18Hp.yg6DaOj_4NJI&smid=ta-android-share


Is it now or never for this squad?

I think it is. Mings, Digne, Ollie and even possibly McGinn even if retained will play less next season. All loanees will go back (no great loss) and hope Bailey goes too and may need a replacement for Buendia too.

If we lose Rogers for enormo money than the age profile increases further and attacking options would be threadbare.

I am less concerned about the rest of the defence in all honesty as if they retain their form and fitness are good for another 2 years at least but will need more depth.
We do need fresh blood in midfield - our style of play lends to seemingly more injuries and we need to identify a replacement for McGinn assuming we keep the other 3.

[ROBBO]

how long has Bailey got on his contract?

[Dave]

how long has Bailey got on his contract?

Another year after this one.

[brontebilly]

Getting a final tune out of Bailey was always going to be a gamble. Won't play for the club again after the seasons end.

[Des Little]

Getting a final tune out of Bailey was always going to be a gamble. Won't play for the club again after the seasons end.

I'd have been happier if you'd finished that sentence after 'again'

[SaddVillan]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7234035/2026/04/28/aston-villa-squad-age-profile-europa-league/?unlocked_article_code=1.eVA.18Hp.yg6DaOj_4NJI&smid=ta-android-share

Is it now or never for this squad?

I think it is. Mings, Digne, Ollie and even possibly McGinn even if retained will play less next season. All loanees will go back (no great loss) and hope Bailey goes too and may need a replacement for Buendia too.

If we lose Rogers for enormo money than the age profile increases further and attacking options would be threadbare.

I am less concerned about the rest of the defence in all honesty as if they retain their form and fitness are good for another 2 years at least but will need more depth.
We do need fresh blood in midfield - our style of play lends to seemingly more injuries and we need to identify a replacement for McGinn assuming we keep the other 3.

Current squad ages (Transfermarkt - couldn't be bothered looking them up).

Bizot            35
Martinez     33
Mings          33
Digne           32
Barkley        32
Lindelof       31
McGinn        31
Watkins       30
Buendia       29
Abrahams   29
Torres          29
Konsa           28
Tielemans   28
Cash            28
Bailey           28
Kamara        26
Maatsen      24
Onana          24
Rogers         23
Garcia          23
Bogarde      22
Alysson       19

Haven't included  Luiz, Sancho or Elliott

[PaulWinch again]

Whilst accepting with development in sports science players can play for longer, we definitely need to to start rebalancing the age profile a bit.