Aston Villa DO have to sell players before the June 30 deadline.
Word is out among the game’s middlemen that deals need to be done to shift at least one member of Unai Emery’s squad.
And that means Villa could find themselves in a weak position with the clock ticking on 'big-name' players such as Emi Martinez and Leon Bailey.
Emi Martinez and Leon Bailey Most Likely to be Sold
Bailey's reps have held talks over Saudi move
Leon Bailey in action for Aston Villa
The two are in prime position to be offloaded and the potential sale should bring the club back into line financially.
Profit and sustainability issues are still in play at Villa Park - despite rumours to the contrary.
But with no decision having been finalised, Villa will need to keep their nerve to keep value in the deals.
Bailey has been talking to several clubs in the Saudi Pro League with newcomers Neom thought to be favourites to land his signature in a £25m deal.
The player himself is currently away on international duty, competing for Jamaica in the Gold Cup, but his representatives have been out in the Middle East attempting to finalise a move.
The picture with Martinez is far less certain.
Confusion surrounded his tears in front of the Holte End following the final home game against Tottenham Hotspur with president of football operations, Monchi, expressing surprise afterwards as to why the Argentine broke down.
Manchester United lead the betting for the signature of the South American former two-time winner of FIFA’s best keeper award.
But no decision has yet been made by Old Trafford chief Ruben Amorim over whether Andre Onana will be off-loaded following a campaign that has been hit-and-miss.
Atletico Madrid are another club linked with Martinez - but there is no way that a £40m fee will be handed over by them while Jan Oblak remains in situ.
Saudi Switch is an Option for Martinez
The World Cup winner could double his money
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa
The other alternative for the 2022 World Cup winner is a switch to Saudi Arabia.
This will hold obvious attraction as Martinez, who only signed a five-year deal to stay at Villa Park on a £7.5m annual salary, could double his money.
But he will be out of the limelight of European football - although with his position in the national team secure, it will not affect his chances of international football. Emiliano Martinez's statistics for Aston Villa this season
However, the one unknown is whether Villa will take advantage of the loophole exploited by Chelsea in which they sold off their women's team.
At present, the practice is under review but nothing has yet been done to outlaw the practice and Villa could remove any of those doubts over their spending and losses with some clever accountancy. Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives the thumbs-up
All statistics according to Sofascore and Transfermarkt - correct as of 22-06-25.