Aston Villa defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been left out of the club's 25-man squad for the Champions League group stage. The £30 million summer signing from Southampton was omitted by manager Unai Emery just days after expressing his excitement about playing in the competition.
Daily Mail Sport reported the squad announcement this week. Villa's European campaign begins away to Club Brugge next Tuesday. The club's domestic start has been difficult, sitting 19th in the Premier League with zero points from two games, having scored none and conceded five. They are six points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of their next league fixture, an away trip to third-placed Hull City on September 5th.
Why was Harwood-Bellis left out?
Unai Emery described the decision as a hard one. The manager had to balance his squad for the initial group stage, selecting only three orthodox centre-backs. Versatile players like Lamare Bogarde and Boubacar Kamara, who can also play in central defence, were included. This provided Emery with the tactical flexibility he sought. The exclusion was not related to UEFA's financial settlement rules. Villa had attempted to sell striker Tammy Abraham this summer but ultimately retained him in the European squad.
Harwood-Bellis was the final signing of the transfer window, arriving from Southampton at the end of August. His omission is notable but not permanent for the European season. Clubs are permitted to register a maximum of three new players for the knockout stages, provided they advance. This means the defender could be added in the new year if Villa progress from their group. You can view the full registered squad on our squad page.
What did Harwood-Bellis say about the Champions League?
In his first interview after joining Aston Villa, the 24-year-old defender was clear about his ambitions. "I can't wait to show what I can do," Harwood-Bellis said, referencing the Champions League. His excitement makes the timing of his omission more striking. The player also has a notable family connection to football, having married Roy Keane's daughter, Leah, earlier this summer.
Another young player missing from the list is 17-year-old forward Brian Madjo, who is sidelined with an injury and will miss at least one European fixture. Villa's current injury concerns also include Amadou Onana and Johan Manzambi, as listed on our injuries page.
How does this affect Villa's defensive options?
With Harwood-Bellis unavailable for the group stage, Emery will rely on his selected centre-backs. The squad includes Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, and Tyrone Mings as the primary options in that position. The inclusion of multi-functional players like Bogarde and Kamara offers cover. This decision shows Emery's preference for a balanced squad over sheer numbers in one position.
Villa's poor early league form, with a -5 goal difference, adds pressure to get their European campaign off to a positive start. The team's upcoming schedule, including the trip to Belgium, is available on our fixtures page. Securing a result against Club Brugge could provide a vital boost.
What is Aston Villa's full Champions League squad?
The 25-man squad submitted to UEFA includes a mix of new signings and established players. Goalkeepers Zion Suzuki and Marco Bizot are included. The defensive unit features Matteo Ruggeri, Lindelof, Torres, Cash, Wan-Bissaka, Maatsen, and Mings. Midfielders Kamara, Joao Gomes, Leon Goretzka, John McGinn, Alysson, Ibrahim Mbaye, Emi Buendia, and Ross Barkley are selected. The attacking options are Nicolas Jackson, Tammy Abraham, Alejandro Garnacho, and Johan Manzambi. Youngsters James Wright and Lamare Bogarde complete the list. Aston Villa begin their Champions League season away to Club Brugge on Tuesday, September 9th.
