Unai Emery is keeping talk about Jadon Sancho’s long-term future on hold as Aston Villa prepare for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bologna. Emery wants full focus on the tie, with Villa leading 3-1. Fitness checks on Sancho and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also shape the build-up, while Opta models give Villa strong odds of progressing and even lifting the trophy.
The quarter-final concludes on Thursday, with Aston Villa carrying a two-goal advantage from the first leg in Italy. Sancho joined Villa on loan from Manchester United at the start of this season, which is his final Old Trafford contract year. Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has confirmed the German club are studying a deal, with Sancho set to become
a free agent in June.
Sancho’s impact at Aston Villa has been mixed across all competitions. The winger has played 31 times, with 14 appearances as a substitute. Across 1,520 minutes, Sancho has produced one goal and three assists. A shoulder problem kept Sancho out of Villa’s last two matches, including the first leg win in Bologna, but Emery expects Sancho to be involved again in the Europa League tie.
Emery underlined that planning Sancho’s next move can wait, stressing the importance of the upcoming fixture. We are focused 100%, collectively and individually. To speak about the future now does not make sense, Emery said when asked about Sancho's future on Wednesday. We spoke a lot during the season with him, about his task with us, how we need his performances, his qualities, but now it is about tomorrow. He is coming back. He is a fantastic player and he needs to be consistent. He has been demanding and he adapted to our structure. It is a pity in the last two weeks he has been injured, because he finished before the break playing fantastically.
Back in business pic.twitter.com/Ali7soAcDKAston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 15, 2026
Goalkeeper selection is another major talking point for Aston Villa before facing Bologna. Emiliano Martinez suffered a calf issue during the warm-up before the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, forcing a late change. Marco Bizot came in and impressed Emery with a composed display. That performance has created strong competition for the starting place in this Europa League quarter-final.
Emery praised Martinez while also acknowledging Bizot’s contribution and the squad’s depth. He is a fantastic goalkeeper, a fantastic guy, he is ready. He is performing amazingly and we are very proud of him, Emery said of the World Cup winner. Every day we are praying to have everybody available to play. When something happens in the last minute, like Sunday, wow, how well Marco responded. Today he [Martinez] trained with us. As normal, he is going to be available for tomorrow and tomorrow we will decide.
Aston Villa Europa League ambitions and Youri Tielemans
Data from the Opta supercomputer suggests Aston Villa are in a strong position in Europe. The model rates Villa as having a 97% chance of reaching the semi-finals and a 64% chance of reaching the Europa League final. At 42%, Villa are also viewed as clear favourites to win the competition ahead of all remaining clubs.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans highlighted the mindset driving Aston Villa’s Europa League campaign, with the target clearly defined. Tielemans said: You play to win it. That's my mentality and also the mentality of many players in the squad. When you get there, you have to make sure you play the game as well as you can and not think about the end, because that's where you can get carried away sometimes. We need to keep playing like we do and hopefully win those games.
Aston Villa now look to finish the quarter-final job against Bologna, with a 3-1 first-leg lead, strong statistical backing and key players returning from injury. Sancho’s future beyond June, and who starts in goal, will be addressed after this tie, as Emery and the squad remain centred on progressing further in the Europa League.
