Youri Tielemans send message to Aston Villa fans after defeat without Emiliano Martinez
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago
Jonathan Burnett
Mon 1 September 2025 16:55, UK
Harvey Elliott is set to add new competition in Aston Villa’s midfield after Unai Emery’s side were overrun by Crystal Palace.
Discourse prior to Aston Villa‘s 3-0 defeat to the Eagles was dominated by the absence of Emi Martinez from Emery’s matchday squad, with Marco Bizot starting in goal amid the Argentine’s desire to leave.
Martinez remains a Villa player ahead of the final hours of the transfer window with a move to Man United currently off the table, albeit Unai Emery will bolster his frontline with the loan signing of Jadon Sancho.
Sancho‘s imminent arrival at Villa Park is set to follow another loan move from a Premier League rival, and Football Insider revealed early on Monday that Villa had opened talks with Liverpool for Harvey Elliott.
Credit: Imago
Emery’s intention to strengthen his attack has led to deals being struck for both Elliott and Sancho on loan, while Leeds have seen a loan bid for Emi Buendia rejected in another clear statement of intent.
Elliott’s addition to Emery’s midfield options will put pressure on the likes of Tielemans, Buendia, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara, particularly after that 3-0 loss to Palace.
Tielemans has done his best to rally Aston Villa’s fans after that disappointing defeat though, and posted on Instagram on Monday to say: “Hard work and togetherness will pull us through – we will bounce back”
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Football Insider Verdict
Emery has had his hands tied behind his back for the second successive summer transfer window at Villa Park, but the Spaniard is set to end a frustrating period on a high with the signings of Elliott and Sancho.
Martinez’s attempts to force a move to Man United have so far been unsuccessful as they swoop for Villa target Senne Lammens instead, with the Argentina number one also turning down a move to Galatasaray.
Retaining Martinez – albeit against his own desires – while adding Elliott and Sancho to their ranks is a solid end to a difficult window for Aston Villa, and the duo arriving on loan deals will also prevent any further issues from a PSR perspective.