(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 11 March 2026 19:05, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa have added Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt to their summer transfer shortlist, sources have told Football Insider.

The 29-year-old is set to leave the Bundesliga giants as a free agent at the end of the season after recent discussions with their hierarchy, and the Villans are now eyeing up a move for him.

Villa’s PSR situation is expected to see their spending constrained once again ahead of next term, and sources say that Unai Emery plans to explore the free agent market as a result.

Aston Villa are planning a cost-effective window, and Brandt is understood to be among a number of players who are being viewed as potential options to strengthen their group.

Aston Villa to face strong competition for Julian Brandt

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Brandt is also a target for Everton this summer, after the Toffees were previously linked with a mvoe for him earlier in the season.

David Moyes and Co. have continued to keep tabs on the German in recent months, and could be prepared to launch a move for him on a free transfer this summer.

Brandt’s imminent free agent status is set to provide plenty of competition for Villa when it comes to securing his signature, and it is expected that he will also have several offers from a range of European clubs.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star is a versatile option, having played in both central and attacking midfield roles since moving to Dortmund in 2019, while he can also operate on either wing.

He has notched 32 goal involvements across the last two Bundesliga seasons, and already has nine to his name so far this term, from just 20 appearances.

Villa have now identified him as a player who could be an effective option for them next term, but it has already become clear that they will have to work hard to fend off the likely competition.

Villa’s financial situation ‘right on the edge’

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that Aston Villa’s financial situation remains precarious, and the club are still “right on the edge” of regulations.

The Villans are potentially facing another fine from UEFA, as they are expected to breach the governing bodies’ squad cost rules for the second season running.

Borson has insisted that the second city outfit still have “very little room for error” as they aim to build a competitive squad for next season, with aspirations across both the Premier League and Champions League.

That could potentially result in key players being sold if the club decide they want to try and alleviate themselves, or they could alternatively limit their spending as a result.

The interest in Brandt is just one example of their desire to try and exploit the free agent market, and that could become a common feature of their summer business.