Unai Emery is on the verge of agreeing a new long-term contract with Aston Villa — one that will give him an expanded role in shaping the club's future beyond 2029.

Talks between the head coach and Villa's senior leadership took place on Wednesday, with all parties showing a clear desire to extend their partnership. Discussions are continuing over the finer details, including the finances and the length of the deal, and an announcement is not expected before the weekend.

A statement of ambition

On Wednesday night, Villa confirmed that Emery had sat down with club chairman Nassef Sawiris and executives Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany. The club released a statement outlining the shared vision that emerged from those talks.

"The discussions focused on jointly planning the club's long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years. The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements."

Emery, who already held a contract running until 2029, is now in line to commit for an even longer spell at Villa Park.

A transformation four years in the making

The Spaniard joined Villa in 2022 from Villarreal, having previously managed Arsenal, Sevilla, and Paris St-Germain. Last month, he marked four years at the club. In that time, he has overseen a remarkable turnaround — guiding a side that was fighting to avoid relegation to one that has qualified for European competition in every season under his stewardship.

That journey reached its peak in May, when Villa lifted the Europa League — the club's first major trophy in 30 years. Despite a turbulent summer that saw key players from that fourth-place Premier League finish and European triumph depart, Villa have remained competitive, sitting 10th in the Premier League while winning three of their four opening Champions League matches.

Manchester United links addressed

Emery's name has been connected with the Manchester United vacancy, should they move on from manager Michael Carrick. Villa face Manchester United this weekend at Old Trafford, adding further intrigue to the situation.

The question of Emery's future has already stirred controversy. Last month, Villa threatened legal action against pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher after he suggested Emery would be an ideal candidate for the Manchester United job and told Villa supporters to "shut up". Villa withdrew the threat after Carragher apologised.

With a new deal now close to being finalised, Villa appear determined to put any such speculation to rest.