Aston Villa 'not convinced' by Matty Cash as replacement tipped to arrive
Aston Villa are looking to bring in reinforcements at right-back amid uncertainty about Matty Cash heading into the new season.
Cash was a regular in Unai Emery's backline last season as he registered three goals and four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
The Poland international has been Villa's first-choice right-back for five seasons now, but could face a struggle for game time next term.
Villa are looking to sign a new right-back this summer to provide competition to Cash going forward.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery is sceptical over whether he can impress again in 2026-27, particularly as they return to the Champions League.
Numerous doubts also remain over Ian Maatsen's place in his squad, after he struggled for regular minutes at left-back last season.
Aston Villa to target new right-back amid Matty Cash doubts
Football Insider have revealed that Villa plan to sell Maatsen, but Cash signed a new four-year contract extension last October, so does not look set to leave this summer.
“Aston Villa, to me, are a bit of an enigma, and I think they're on the fence and it could go either way. Every time they want to do something in the transfer market, we get the same thing that crops up at Newcastle. They can't afford it, are breaking the fair play rules and have got to sell somebody," Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“And it's always one of the better players, because I've said this many times during the season, Aston Villa are a good side at what they do, but they're very, very prone to playing narrow and going through the middle. It can produce a slow build-up where I think they look a bit ordinary.
"Now, the thing that breaks that down and improves that, is good full-backs. I don't think their right back (Cash) is good enough for the top level. And they keep bringing in a Dutch fellow (Maatsen) at left back, but they're not convinced one way or the other.”
Which right-backs have Villa been linked to?
Ezri Konsa has filled in at right-back on occasion in recent times, while Andres Garcia has been Emery's main backup to Cash but looks set to leave the club this summer.
The Villans need to invest in the position as they return to the Champions League, with recent reports claiming that they are in talks to sign former Spurs man Emerson Royal.
Emerson, 27, is into his second season at Flamengo as it stands, with four assists in 22 appearances to his name so far in 2026.