Emery provides updates on Diego Carlos’ replacement, McGinn’s return and Garcia’s signing

Unai Emery says Aston Villa are working hard to sign a replacement for Diego Carlos before the transfer window closes.

The Brazilian defender joined Fenerbahce for £8.5m earlier this week, leaving Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings as Villa’s only centre-backs while Pau Torres remains out with a foot injury.

Emery wants to add another centre-back before next Monday’s deadline, with the club said to be in talks to sign Sevilla’s Loic Badie.

“We are open to trying to improve the team until the last minute, and we are also open if someone leaves,” he said before Sunday’s match against West Ham.

“Of course, Diego Carlos left last week, we have to replace him, and of course we are also focusing on players who could be potential players to replace Diego Carlos.”

Villa’s new signing with Garcia is a “good opportunity”

Villa recently signed 21-year-old right-back Andres Garcia, making the Spaniard their second January acquisition following the arrival of Donyiel Malen from Borussia Dortmund.

Regarding Garcia, Emery said: “He is a right-back, a potential young player. He was progressing very quickly, and I knew him before. I know how he was, as a person as well.

“We decided to sign him because we thought it was a good opportunity, at the moment, a really good opportunity, how he is progressing so quickly in his career.

“And of course, being a potential young player, we are in no rush with him.

“Hopefully, with Andres Garcia, we can progress quickly on his adaptation, and how he can understand everything in the Premier League about the level we have.”

Villa injury news: McGinn returns

Unai Emery has provided the latest fitness updates for four first-team players ⤵️

– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 24, 2025

Emery confirmed that captain John McGinn will be available for Sunday’s match at Villa Park after missing three matches due to a hamstring injury.

“John McGinn has started training with the group, and he is working with us,” Emery said.

“(Amadou) Onana is still working alone.

“Ross Barkley is still not available and Pau (Torres) will need more time to try and be close to us.”