The top-class signings Aston Villa could have made in January – including £59m attacker & Everton gem

Aston Villa’s winter transfer window might have been far more eye-catching had the club chosen to be bolder in the market.

Few would have predicted the Villans to be genuine contenders for a UEFA Champions League place at this stage of the season, yet Unai Emery’s side have defied expectations.

Villa endured a dreadful opening to the campaign, failing to score in their first four Premier League fixtures. However, an outstanding run of form since then has transformed their fortunes.

Fourteen victories from their last 19 league matches have propelled them into third place, with a healthy seven-point cushion separating them from sixth-placed Liverpool. As things stand, a top-five finish – and Champions League qualification – looks increasingly realistic.

That said, there is a lingering sense that Villa could have strengthened their position even further had they approached the January transfer window differently.

Financial limitations imposed by PSR and SCR rules meant lavish spending was never an option, but alternative solutions may have allowed the club to secure key reinforcements.

Villa missed chance to land £59m Manchester City forward

One of the standout names repeatedly linked with Villa throughout January was Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush. While a permanent move for the Egypt international would have stretched Villa’s finances, a loan deal – potentially including an option or obligation to buy – may have been achievable.

Marmoush has struggled for regular minutes at the Etihad Stadium, logging just 281 Premier League minutes this season. With Erling Haaland firmly established as City’s focal point and fierce competition across the front line, opportunities have been limited for the 26-year-old.

It is little wonder, then, that speculation around a move away has gathered pace. Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last January for £59 million plus add-ons, Marmoush has still managed to register a goal or assist every 146 minutes for City.

A player of his calibre is more than capable of starting regularly at a top club, and Villa could have offered him a guaranteed role in Emery’s system as an inside forward.

While Villa were never in a position to spend freely, taking a calculated risk on a player of Marmoush’s quality could have paid dividends. Securing Champions League football would likely have justified the financial outlay, potentially covering the cost of such a deal and then some.

James Garner was a missed bargain opportunity

Another player Villa might regret not pursuing more aggressively is Everton midfielder James Garner.

According to The Athletic, Garner was high on Villa’s shortlist as his contract approached its final months. However, the club failed to act decisively, allowing Everton to tie him down to a new deal.

The report suggested Villa’s interest never progressed to a formal approach. Had they moved quicker, they may have been able to tempt Garner away from Merseyside before he committed his future to Everton.

Since joining the Toffees from Manchester United in 2022 for around £15 million including add-ons, Garner has developed into a crucial figure at Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old has impressed primarily as a defensive midfielder, while also proving his versatility by filling in at full-back or in central midfield. His form has even sparked talk of a surprise England call-up.

Statistically, Garner ranks in the top 14 per cent of Premier League midfielders for defensive actions this season and has also chipped in with two goals and three assists during the 2025/26 campaign.

Given his profile, age and potential availability at a cut-price fee, he may prove to be another opportunity Villa allowed to slip through their fingers.