"Stood still" - Former Villa defender criticises transfer window activity

Former Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has criticised the way the club have conducted their transfer activity in the summer transfer window and believes they have "stood still", whilst also urging the club to re-sign a former player.

The former Republic of Ireland international defender, made more than 100 appearances for Aston Villa between 2009 and 2013. A commanding presence at the heart of the back line, he was a key figure during his time at Villa Park, enjoying two successful seasons with 6th and 9th places finishes and brought leadership and experience after his long spell at Manchester City.

Aston Villa's ins and outs so far:

• Incomings: The most notable incoming is forward Evann Guessand (£26-30m) who scored 13 goals in Ligue 1 last season for Nice. They have also reinforced with the signings to bolster the squad depth in centre back Yasin Özcan (£6m) and goalkeeper Marco Bizot on a free transfer.
• Outgoings: Notable exits include academy graduate Jacob Ramsey for £39m (to comply with financial regulations), Leon Bailey departing from Roma on loan, Phillipe Coutinho, Leander Dendoncker and Robin Olsen on frees, as well as Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Enzo Barrenechea.

Aston Villa bolstered their squad with three loan deals in the last January transfer window, but all three of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi have returned to their parent clubs.

Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Evann Guessand. pic.twitter.com/egClSn4Sym

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 8, 2025

Richard Dunne's comments:

Dunne, who was commentating on Saturday's opening game of the season against Newcastle United which ended in a 0-0 draw, shared the following thoughts on Aston Villa's transfer window and squad:

"I don't think they've moved forward this year over this summer. I think they've at best stood still, really.

I think Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford were a really good combination for them last year and something they could use to great effect.

I still think they need to strengthen. I think when I watched them at the weekend, they looked a little bit slower than the rest of the Premier League, and I read their distance covered wasn't too high and was second bottom in the Premier League.

They seem to try and play a bit of a more controlled game.

Aston Villa need to add to their squad; they need to add a little bit of energy and speed, probably to their squad.

I'm sure the manager will want more bodies in just to give them the better opportunity in the European competition and obviously the cups as well.”

Dunne sees Asensio as a key target: “He was excellent when he came in, he took to the Premier League really well.

He looked like a player who could find passes on a tight pitch, and the quality he has in the ball has never been a doubt, so I think if they could get him back in, that type of creative player is something that they really need.

Asensio potential return:

Marco Asensio made a marked impact during his loan spell at Aston Villa in early 2025, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, and showcasing a knack for creating key attacking moments—especially under Unai Emery’s system.

Since his debut for Aston Villa in February 2025, no player has scored more goals in all competitions for the Villans than Marco Asensio (8) 💫

🔙🔜#AVFC pic.twitter.com/TCKGzla6vu

— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) August 13, 2025

Although his temporary deal from Paris Saint‑Germain included no purchase option, he quickly became a favourite at Villa Park, and both Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi are reportedly open to bringing him back, given that he is not in PSG’s plans for the upcoming season.

PSG have informed Asensio that he is not part of their plans under manager Luis Enrique, making him available for transfer. His contract with PSG runs until June 2026, but the club is open to both permanent transfers and loans, with a reported transfer fee of around €15-20 million this summer.