🚨 Aston Villa’s BIG Contract Crisis: Six Players Now Facing a Career-Defining Decision — Who Will Stay and Who Could Be Shown the Door?

Aston Villa have barely had time to settle after a dramatic summer transfer window, but another major challenge is already waiting for the club. With the transfer window now closed, attention is turning towards the futures of several players whose contracts will soon require important decisions.

Villa have undergone one of the most significant squad transformations in recent years, with a number of established stars leaving while several new faces arrived. The club’s summer business has made the squad younger and reshaped in several areas, but contract management will be just as important as recruitment if Unai Emery’s side are to remain competitive.

Reports indicate that Villa are considering new contracts for six players: Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Emiliano Buendia, Victor Lindelof, Lamare Bogarde and Amadou Onana. However, their situations are very different, meaning the club must carefully decide who deserves long-term commitment and who could eventually be allowed to move on.

Ian Maatsen

Maatsen appears to be one of the clearest candidates for a new contract. The left-back is only 24 and is now expected to play a much more important role following Lucas Digne’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

Maatsen’s current deal reportedly still has several years remaining, but interest from Manchester United towards the end of the transfer window has complicated the situation. Villa may now feel that securing his future is necessary to underline his importance to Emery’s plans.

Given his age, versatility and potential, extending Maatsen’s contract could prove to be a sensible decision.

Amadou Onana

Onana’s situation is considerably more complicated. The midfielder remains under contract until 2029, yet Villa are reportedly considering an extension despite his current injury situation.

The Belgian is recovering from an ACL injury that is expected to keep him out for a significant part of the season. Offering a new contract at this stage would represent a considerable vote of confidence from Villa.

However, it would also carry an element of risk. The club could instead wait until Onana returns to full fitness before making a long-term decision.

Ross Barkley

Barkley’s future may be one of the most difficult decisions.

The midfielder has provided useful experience since arriving at Villa, but he is approaching his mid-30s and the club’s midfield options have changed considerably.

Villa now have players such as Boubacar Kamara, João Gomes, Leon Goretzka, Onana and Bogarde competing for midfield positions. With Barkley’s contract expiring in 2027, the club must decide whether his experience remains valuable enough to justify another deal.

There is an argument for keeping him, particularly because of his technical ability and dressing-room experience. But Villa could also decide that the time is right to move in a younger direction.

Emiliano Buendia

Buendia’s future is another fascinating case.

The Argentine has experienced a difficult period at Villa, but his creativity and ability to operate between the lines remain attractive qualities. With his contract running into 2027, Villa have time to make a decision.

Much will depend on how important he becomes under Emery this season. If Buendia can regain consistency and establish himself as an important attacking option, a new contract could become a realistic possibility.

Victor Lindelof

Lindelof brings experience and defensive intelligence, but age is likely to be a major consideration.

The Swedish defender is 32, meaning Villa must determine whether he fits their long-term plans or is better viewed as a short-term solution. With the club already changing its defensive structure, a contract extension could depend heavily on his performances and availability throughout the season.

For Lindelof, every appearance could therefore carry greater significance than usual.

Lamare Bogarde

Perhaps the most intriguing case is Bogarde.

Unlike some of the older players, the 22-year-old represents the future. His versatility and ability to play in midfield or defence make him useful to Emery, while his age gives Villa a strong reason to protect his development.

A new contract would send a clear message that the club sees Bogarde as part of its long-term project.

The decisions could shape Villa’s next era

Villa’s recent transfer activity has already demonstrated that the club are willing to make difficult decisions. Major players including Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans have departed during the summer, while the club brought in a new group of players to reshape the squad.

Now, the contract situation provides another opportunity to define the next phase.

Maatsen and Bogarde look like players Villa would have strong reasons to retain, while Onana’s situation could require patience. Barkley, Buendia and Lindelof, meanwhile, face a much bigger battle to prove that another contract is the right decision.

Ultimately, these six situations will not be decided by sentiment. Villa must consider age, performances, injuries, wages, squad balance and Emery’s long-term tactical vision.

For supporters, however, one thing is certain: **the next few months could reveal which players are genuinely part of Aston Villa’s future — and which ones are quietly approaching the end of their journey at Villa Park.**