‘Unai Emery to have head turned by Aston Villa exit package’ as Tottenham backed to strike deal
Unai Emery is attracting interest from a number of elite clubs across Europe amid a growing feeling he could walk away from Aston Villa this summer.
The likes of Man United and Tottenham will be without a manager come the summer, and Emery’s work with Villa means he ranks highly on their lists.
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.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery is very highly-regarded in managerial circles and will have no shortage of suitors.
The manager market is expected to explode in the summer with multiple clubs assessing their options, and Aston Villa will need a new manager as well if Emery leaves.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBUnai Emery could quit Aston Villa for rival club
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 March that Emery could quit Aston Villa amid frustrations over their financial restraints, which have halted their progress.
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.
“Unai Emery has done a fantastic job at Aston Villa,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s held in very high regard in managerial circles and I’m sure there will be clubs who look to tempt him away from Aston Villa if that’s a possibility.
“Look at all of the clubs who will be in need of managers in the summer, the likes of Man United and Tottenham in the Premier League.
“They will obviously be interested in a manager of Emery’s calibre, and I have no doubt there will be European clubs keeping an eye on him as well.
“If he does decide to leave Aston Villa, he’s not going to have any shortage of offers. It just depends on how he sees his future going there.
“I can definitely see why he would be unhappy in that situation, and perhaps if the right offer comes along, he could be tempted away.”
Which clubs would be leading the race for Emery?
Of all of the clubs expected to be interested in a manager of Emery’s calibre, Man United may be best placed to lure him away from Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick is currently the favourite at Old Trafford, but they are still assessing their options in case a big-name becomes available, and Emery fits that bill.
United have been long-term admirers of the Spaniard, as Football Insider exclusively revealed in September 2025 that Emery is a top target for Man United.
The likes of Tottenham and Real Madrid will also be among those looking for a new manager in the summer, and Emery will no doubt rank highly.
There is also the possibility he remains at Aston Villa despite his frustrations, with his contract there set to run until 2029 as things stand.
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