Aston Villa are planning to employ new tactics with their expected new signing from the relegated side. 

Aston Villa transfer plan is moving forwards on one side with one target but the talk has been stalled on the other targets. The negotiation with Bayern’s Joao Palhinha has not yet progressed due to differences in preference between both parties. 

Meanwhile, the Hammers’ right back, Aaron Wan Bissaka is edging closer to Villa Park. The former Manchester United fullback has agreed to join Unai Emery’s side on personal terms. The expected transfer fee is around £20-25million.

According to the report in Yahoo Sports, Villa’s plan to sign him has been revealed, despite having secured Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid and promoted Kosta Nedeljkovic in the first team.   

“Aston Villa have identified the expected signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to play three different roles including as a centre-back in a two-man central defensive partnership.”

His expected roles

The 28-year old wingback is a versatile defender. He can operate on both flanks as right back and left back, plus centre back. Such attributes would help Emery to unlock the new tactical flexibility, employing back three. 

Such formation is rare to be utilised in Bodymoor Heath and Emery sees the potential to employ it with RD Congo international in the squad. It would be interesting to see a slight alteration in Emery’s set up  with 3-4-2-1 or 3-2-3-2 in the upcoming campaign.  

During his stint in West Ham, the wing back who featured four games in 2026 FIFA World Cup, is no stranger to such a role albeit briefly. Nevertheless, he did feature more as a right wing back.     

Wan Bissaka’s form last season

The defender who started his professional career in Crystal Palace played 27 times and contributed three assists last season. In the 2024/25 season, he even featured in 37 matches, registering two goals and five assists in all competition. 

Bissaka was deployed more as a wing back or full back on the right flank. He made 21 and 36 appearances respectively. Meanwhile, on the left flank, he operated as left back for five times and twice as left wing back, plus once as a centre back. 

Based on the data in FotMob, last season Wan Bissaka’s successful pass was rated 76.7 %, while his successful crosses was 38.1 %. His successful dribble was 48.5 % with his winning duel reaching up to 50.3 %. The Croydon-born wing back’s defensive attribute was superb with 174 defensive contributions, including 33 tackles, 40 interceptions, and 94 clearances. 

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