Aston Villa have signalled their intention to build their long-term future around manager Unai Emery.
Villa announced on Wednesday they had held a meeting to discuss strategy beyond 2029, when Emery’s current contract is due to expire.
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There has been no confirmation of a new deal, amid reports an agreement is close, but the club said in a statement that “the sporting leadership of Unai Emery” would be central to their long-term plans.
The Spanish coach has been linked with other clubs after making a significant impact since his appointment at Villa Park in 2022.
The statement read: “Aston Villa held an important working meeting today to plan the club’s future and lay the foundations for its long-term sporting and institutional project.
“The meeting brought together Nassef Sawiris, the club’s chairman, and Unai Emery alongside president of football operations Roberto Olabe and director of football operations Damian Vidagany.
“The discussions focused on jointly planning the club’s long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years.
“The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements.”
The statement comes a week after Villa had threatened legal proceedings against former England international Jamie Carragher, who told the “Stick to Football” podcast fans should “shut the f— up” having faced criticism for suggesting Emery should consider taking the Manchester United job.
Carragher has since apologised, saying he used “clumsy and wrong” language, and Villa will not take further action.
Emery oversaw Europa League success last season and has twice led Villa to Champions League qualification.
