Real Unión president Igor Emery says an agreement with Premier League side Aston Villa allows them to grow.
In November 2023, Aston Villa confirmed a “collaborative partnership” with the lower division Spanish club. The Villans owners, V Sports, added Real Unión to their global network.
This partnership came two years after Aston Villa manager Unai Emery’s family took over the Spanish club.
Unai and Igor’s father and grandfather had represented Real Unión during their playing careers.
Igor has now talked his about his role as the president, the work done under his leadership and their agreement with Aston Villa. He spoke to Podium Trade and AS in Spain have relayed his comments.
Igor pleased with Aston Villa agreement
Sport Witness earlier relayed news Aston Villa’s decision to appoint Iñigo Idiakez as their manager in 2023 didn’t please Igor.
Fast forward to February and the Real Unión president says the agreement with Aston Villa benefits his side.
“It’s an opportunity to grow without losing our identity. We are Real Unión; nobody is going to change our crest or our colours. We’re in a border region, and that also opens up possibilities for us,” he said.
Aston Villa’s manager has also invested in the Spanish club, and his brother insists Unai’s ‘greatest contribution’ is “not money, but heart.”
Emerys’ vision for Real Unión
Real Unión are in the fourth division of Spanish football. AS state their budget is around €2.8m, with 10 employees and 1,458 season ticket holders.
They are now leading the table and it’s no surprise Real Unión are aiming for promotion. However, Igor insists this alone isn’t part of the larger objectives.
“I envision a stronger club institutionally, with the first team established in a higher category and an increasingly competitive youth academy,” Igor explained.
“Success won’t just be about promotion. It will be about having built a sustainable club with a clear identity, deeply rooted in its region.”
Our take: Agreement won’t pay off immediately
The Premier League side can, for now, can’t capitalise on the deal agreed with Real Unión.
Last summer, Aston Villa sent U21 centre-back Thierry Katsukunya on a season-long loan to the Spanish club. He has played 923 minutes from 13 matches so far this season.
The temporary move allows him to enjoy regular minutes with the first team. However, it’s not certain whether playing in the fourth division can help 20-year-old Katsukunya to continue his development.
Therefore, Aston Villa won’t have quick benefits from the agreement with Real Unión.
