Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Callum O'Connell

Wed 22 April 2026 12:00, UK

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Unai Emery could be tempted to walk away from his position as Aston Villa manager amid ongoing concerns about their financial restrictions.

Villa may face another frustrating summer with an inability to spend if they do not sell players first, making it difficult for Emery to continue their upward trajectory.

The Spaniard has been linked with potentially vacant positions at Man United and Real Madrid, both of whom currently have interim managers in place.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Villa’s financial worries could be a “major issue” for Emery if they cannot match his ambitions.

There is a growing feeling that the boss is being left frustrated as he aims to add to his squad, and Aston Villa could look for a new manager as a result.

Could Unai Emery leave Aston Villa this summer?

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Emery could quit Aston Villa amid frustrations over their financial restraints, which have halted their progress.

While his contract at Villa Park is set to run until 2029, putting the club in a strong position with regard to his future, he could be tempted away by another offer.

The 54-year-old has worked wonders on a limited budget at Villa Park, but there is a growing feeling their lack of spending power means he cannot take them further.

“Aston Villa are a great club in many respects,” Brown told Football Insider.

“The training ground is superb, Villa Park itself is one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, and Emery has helped them get up to a high level.

“But there are major issues now with the finances, and that’s going to be worrying for them.

“They’ve not been able to spend big on bringing in new players for a couple of windows now, and that’s been frustrating for Emery to deal with.

“He wants to improve his squad, and Aston Villa are going to have to do that if they want to continue making progress as the manager wants to do.

“But the problem is, if the financial limitations that they are under mean they can’t spend, or they have to sell first, it really limits what they can do.

“It’s frustrating for Emery because it’s not his fault, but if a club comes along with an offer to take him away, with a clear plan and spending power, maybe he could be tempted.”

Where could Emery go after Aston Villa?

Should Emery opt to leave Villa Park, he will have no shortage of suitors ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer in the managerial market.

Brown told Football Insider in March that Emery will have options to leave Aston Villa with clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on his situation.

As mentioned previously, both Man United and Real Madrid have been tipped to swoop for the 54-year-old, with his reputation making him a clear contender.

They are not the only admirers, however, and it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be available, but his situation has put a number of clubs on alert.

Jamie Carragher was among the voices tipping him for the Man United job, although Michael Carrick remains the favourite to take over at Old Trafford.