Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League next season.
The Spanish tactician spearheaded an upturn in form after taking over from Steven Gerrard last October, with the club slumped in 14th place.
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Emery’s instant impact saw Villa charge up the table and they were rewarded with qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League.
The late-season surge handed Villa a seventh-placed finish – ten points adrift of Newcastle United in fourth.
Former Villa striker Agbonlahor says he has seen enough to convince him that Villa can make a push for the top four next season and qualify for the Champions League.
“Since Unai Emery came into Aston Villa, if you look at the league table, Villa would have finished in the top four if he’d have started the season off,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“So he’s got a pre-season now he’s got to bring in players, he’s already signed [Youri] Tielemans and Villa have got money to spend. It wouldn’t shock me if Villa are fighting for top four.”
Emery’s troops will have a battle on their hands next season but will fancy their chances against the Premier League’s big hitters.
Key to Villa’s chances will be how they conduct their summer transfer business with free agent Tielemans already confirmed.
The Midlands club have been linked with a move for Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams but face stiff competition for the USA captain from a host of Premier League clubs.
The club has been boosted by the news that skipper John McGinn has signed a new contract until 2027.
“I’m delighted to get it sorted, this is home for me now,” McGinn told the club’s official website. “I’m really excited to be a part of what should be a really exciting journey.”
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“We’ve had some great moments. This season epitomised what everyone wants to achieve and showed the potential and ambition everyone has.
“We’re really starting to achieve that with the manager and staff in place. It’s exciting for the fans and exciting to be a player here.”
