It has been a productive summer of transfer activity at Aston Villa so far this summer as they will be looking to drastically improve on last season under the management of Steve Bruce next time out. They finished mid-table in The Championship in the last campaign, mainly due to a poor start under Roberto Di Matteo but will be looking to push hard for promotion to the Premier League this time round.
Bruce has made four signings this summer with Ahmed Elmohamady, Christopher Samba, John Terry and Glenn Whelan all arriving at Villa Park. It is unlikely that Villa will be bringing many more new faces in this summer due to Financial Fair Play regulations and due to the amount, they have spent since their relegation already.
There have also been several departures from the club this summer, in an attempt to balance the books further. The likes of Nathan Baker, Libor Kozak and Jordan Veretout have all left the club, and more may be allowed to leave the club before the window slams shut.
We take a look at five players who could play a vital part in the upcoming season for Villa in their quest to earn a spot back in the top flight at the second attempt.
2Jonathan Kodjia
The 27-year-old was one of many big money signings made by Villa last summer as he joined the club from Championship rivals Bristol City for a fee of around £11 million that could potentially rise to £15 million based on a number of factors. It took him no time whatsoever to settle in, and he scored 19 goals in 36 appearances during his first season at the club.
Now that he has established himself as one of the most potent strikers in the division, Kodjia will be looking to fire Villa to the top flight next season. If Villa fail to get promoted for the second year running, it would not be a surprise to see a Premier League club come calling to secure his services.
