Aston Villa, Unai Emery
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Mick Brown
Sun 22 June 2025 21:00, UK
Unai Emery could come under pressure at Aston Villa if they are forced to sell key players to comply with financial rules, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Emery is set for a difficult transfer window at Villa Park.
The likes of Emiliano Martinez, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Ollie Watkins have been linked with moves away this summer as they may be forced to sell.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 June that Aston Villa must complete a big sale before 30 June to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
Should Villa fail to comply, they risk facing a similar sanction to both Everton and Nottingham Forest who were handed points deductions in the 2023-24 season.
As a result, there are growing concerns that they could lose key players and struggle to replace them, which would have an immediate impact on their fortunes.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Unai Emery is facing a difficult summer at Villa Park. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
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Unai Emery faces pressure after Aston Villa exodus
Football Insider revealed in May that the likes of Watkins and Morgan Rodgers could leave Villa amid a mass exodus as Emery eyes an overhaul of his first-team squad.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, warned that losing too many key players in the same window could add pressure on Emery’s position.
“They’re talking about a lot of big important players leaving Villa,” he told Football Insider.
“The financial position they’re in, they might be forced to sell or they’ll be in breach of the rules.
“It could be a huge blow if they lose some of their key players, the likes of Martinez, Watkins and Tielemans who have been so good for them.
“That’s the trouble, there’s so much focus on finances now it’s hard for these clubs.
“Away from the footballing side, they might think they can make good money from these players.
“That will sort them out financially and they won’t have to worry about points deductions or whatever.
“But on the pitch, the impact of losing these key players could put them in a tough position.
“If they start the season without some of these players or without replacing them well enough and then they lose a couple of games, the pressure comes on the manager.
“It’s not his fault, it’s tough to replace players especially considering the finances.
“But the club never take the blame for it, it always comes back on the manager if results take a downward turn and then he’s under pressure.
“So if they’re not careful, that’s a position Emery could end up in.”
Emi Martinez Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa. (Credit: Imago)
Emiliano Martinez update emerges after Man United latest
One player who has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer is Martinez, as the Argentina goalkeeper edges towards an exit.
Football Insider revealed on 20 June that Man United are pushing to sign Martinez and have been “calling him every day” to get a deal over the line.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 19 June that Martinez has his heart set on Atletico Madrid, who recently joined the race for his signature.
The Spanish giants are considering their options in goal as they fear losing top shot-stopper Jan Oblak amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
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