Aston Villa signal commitment to Emery beyond 2029

Aston Villa said discussions with Unai Emery and senior club executives established a commitment to develop the club under his sporting leadership beyond 2029, when his current contract is due to expire. The statement signals an intention to continue working with the manager, but does not confirm that he has signed an extension or settle its terms. The meeting on Wednesday brought together Emery, chairman Nassef Sawiris, president of football operations Roberto Olabe and director of football operations Damian Vidagany. Villa said the discussions focused on planning the club’s long-term strategic direction and building an ambitious, competitive team. Emery is close to agreeing a longer-term contract, according to a report that said talks were continuing over its length, finances and other details. It said an announcement was unlikely before the weekend. Neither a signed agreement nor final terms were included in Villa’s public statement. Fabrizio Romano separately reported that Villa’s proposed deal would be longer and better paid than Emery’s current contract, while keeping him involved in transfer decisions. Those details have not been confirmed in the club’s statement....