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Emery jackson
Jackson and Emery reunited after Villarreal experience back in 2021

Steel and a striker: what Goretzka and Jackson bring to Emery's Villa

Goretzka brings steel and experience; Jackson brings pace and a genuine No. 9, reunited with Emery. A tactical and technical breakdown of Villa's two big signings.

29.08.26, 09:34 Updated 30.08.26, 15:39 6 Minute Read

The story in brief

  • Villa have signed Leon Goretzka (free, Bayern Munich) and Nicolas Jackson (up to £65m, Chelsea), addressing midfield and striker vacancies.
  • Goretzka offers control, physicality and late runs; Jackson brings pace, pressing and hold-up as Ollie Watkins's replacement.
  • Jackson reunites with Emery, who shaped him at Villarreal, while both players spent last season at Bayern Munich.

Villa spent a summer selling stars. This week, they finally addressed what those sales left behind.

Two signings, two glaring needs

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Andrea Locorotondo

SJA and AIPS member. Aston Villa In-Ground correspondent for Opta. Football writer and commentator. If you are coming to Villa Park, you will always find me on seat E12 in the press box.

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