The truth on Emiliano Martinez's future as Aston Villa finalise a major deal to avoid a PSR breach.
Aston Villa are no longer concerned about breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules after agreeing to sell a stake in their women’s team, meaning there will be no fire sales of players before the PSR deadline.
Birmingham World understands Villa have been in talks with US-based investors over a sale of 10 per cent of the women’s team, while the remaining 90 per cent is expected to be sold to holding company V Sports. Just as The Telegraph and The Athletic have reported, Villa say they no longer have any issues regarding PSR and are actively working to find a resolution with UEFA in relation to compliance with financial fair play (FFP).
As the report from The Telegraph states, the investors purchasing the 10 per cent stake value Villa’s women’s team at around £55 million, so the sale will go through for a tenth of that, £5.5 million. The rest, as mentioned, will then be purchased by V Sports, which is managed by Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
Emiliano Martinez transfer truth now clear amid PSR lifeline
It has been widely speculated that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez may need to be sold to help Villa comply with PSR but there’s no rush. Birmingham World understands Villa are not under any pressure to sell any players - let alone Martinez - before the PSR deadline.
The UEFA situation is completely separate, though, with Villa committing to bringing player costs down by 20 per cent over the next two summers. Talks are ongoing with UEFA in an attempt to prove every effort is being made to address the situation, which is certainly not being ignored.
Martinez’s sale could help in regards to the UEFA squad costs rules (SCR) as he’s one of Villa’s highest earners. It’s not an absolute necessity, however, and a source close to the situation has informed Birmingham World that there’s every chance Martinez could still be a Villa player next season.
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