Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and Jacob Ramsey backed to stay despite exit rumours - Fans vote on Aston Villa squad
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Updated 15/08/2025 at 09:07 GMT+1
Aston Villa head into the new season looking to build on the previous campaign in which they reached the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League, the semis of the FA Cup and a sixth place finish the league. Ahead of the new campaign however, which members of the squad should Unai Emery keep, and who should go? TNT Sports asked the fans.
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Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey are heavily backed by fans to stay despite rumours surrounding their respective futures.
Nine in 10 fans also think Villa need to keep their hands on midfield pair Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.
The Villans kick off their 2025/26 campaign at home to Newcastle United live on TNT Sports and discovery+, having only been separated by goal difference in the final standings last season.
This proved significant however, as The Magpies’ superior goal record ultimately secured them a fifth place finish, resulting in UEFA Champions League qualification at Villa’s expense.
Unai Emery’s side will instead play in the UEFA Europa League and will go into the season looking to build on an otherwise strong campaign that saw them reach the quarter-final of the Champions League and semi-final of the FA Cup, in addition to finishing sixth.
Ahead of the new season, we asked fans a simple "keep or sell?" question regarding the current Villa squad, and midfield duo Rogers and Tielemans were both backed at over 90% to remain.
Rogers played a starring role in what was his first full season at the club, scoring 14 goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions, endearing himself to supporters, who seemingly hope to see him stick around for years to come.
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Keeper Martinez has been linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, with Manchester United rumoured to be interested in enticing the World Cup winner to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, star striker Watkins has reportedly had interest from several clubs, including United and, curiously, Saturday’s opponents Newcastle.
Over 80% of fans want to see both players remain.
Other players who scored highly were England defender Ezri Konsa, club captain and stalwart John McGinn, and Ramsey.
Despite 82% wanting to keep the 24-year-old, Ramsey is another player heavily linked with a move to Newcastle, who are reportedly closing in on his signature.
Only five players received less than 50% of the vote to stay, including Ross Barkley and Alex Moreno.
| Morgan Rogers | Â 92% keep |
| Youri Tielemans |  91% keep |
| Ezri Konsa | Â 87% keep |
| John McGinn | Â 87% keep |
| Amadou Onana | Â 83% keep |
| Emiliano Martinez | Â 82% keep |
| Jacob Ramsey | Â 82% keep |
| Ollie Watkins | Â 82% keep |
| Ian Matsen | Â 80% keep |
| Pau Torres | Â 74% keep |
| Donyell Malen | Â 74% keep |
| Lucas Digne | Â 73% keep |
| Tyrone Mings | Â 70% keep |
| Matty Cash | Â 68% keep |
| Leon Bailey | Â 65% keep |
| Boubacar Kamara | Â 65% keep |
| Emi Buendia | Â 59% keep |
| Andres Garcia | Â 54% keep |
| Lamare Bogarde | Â 50% keep |
| Ross Barkley | Â 48% keep |
| Alex Moreno | Â 47% keep |
| Samuel Iling Jr | Â 44% keep |
| Joe Gauci | Â 32% keep |
| Leander Dendoncker | Â 32% keep |
How to watch Aston Villa v Newcastle
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