EPL: Emery Hints at Sancho Stay if He Keeps Impressing
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says Jadon Sancho needs to keep impressing for a permanent deal, with his contract expiring this summer.
“This is football. Each match, the next match, this month, everything is very important for every player...”
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is keeping it real, focusing on the present ahead of their clash with Brighton. He recently spoke about Jadon Sancho's progress, saying the winger is improving after a slow start to the season. Emery praised Sancho's work ethic, mentioning he's getting better and helping the team more.
Emery's approach seems to be paying off, with Sancho making eight appearances in 2026 and showing glimpses of his talent. The Villa boss is optimistic about Sancho's future, stating that if he continues to perform well, they'll want to keep him.
Aston Villa's form hasn't been great, with just two wins in their last seven top-flight games. This doesn't bode well for their top four chances, sitting third, nine points behind Arsenal, and with Chelsea and Man Utd closing in.
Emery Focuses on the Present, Not Champions League Yet
Emery isn't getting ahead of himself, staying focused on the present. He feels secure in the top six, with an eight-point cushion over Liverpool, but knows Villa can't afford complacency with Chelsea and Man Utd closing in.
“We are not thinking about the end of the season. We are thinking about now. We cannot speak about how we were in September. We are enjoying the process, and we are competing. We are feeling comfortable with how we are doing our season. Up and down sometimes, but more up than down.
“Now we've had two defeats at home and can understand how something like this can happen.
“Tomorrow we have a new challenge, at home at Villa Park, to try to get our full energy, our full wishes and our focus to prepare the game and compete against a very good team.
“And to compete at Villa Park with our supporters, which is always very special for us to play there.”
Jadon Sancho's Impressing, But Emery Wants More
Emery hinted that Sancho's performances will dictate his future at Villa, saying the winger needs to keep impressing for the rest of the season. Sancho's done well on loan, and Villa could snatch him for free in the summer if his form continues.
“Not yet (no updates on his future). But he's a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us increase his qualities in our structure, like he is doing.”
🗣️ "Playing in Villa Park, with our supporters, always is something very special for us."
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 10, 2026
Unai's press conference from this afternoon is available to watch in full on VillaTV now 📺
“Of course, he will need another contract. Will it be here? It could be because if he is playing his best football, we will want him. But if he's playing his best football, then maybe another team will want him.
“This is football. Each match, the next match, this month, everything is very important for every player.”
Aston Villa are on a roll against Brighton, winning seven of their last nine Premier League meetings. A win would put six points clear of Man Utd, depending on West Ham's result.
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