Aston Villa had to deal with some difficulties within the summer window, though they could be about to pounce to sign a star who is set to be on the market in January.
Aston Villa move on after frustrating window disrupted by PSR
Without going over old ground too much, the Villans were heavily hamstrung by PSR during the summer, and it is fair to say that Unai Emery didn't have a tonne of freedom to acquire players in the West Midlands.
Late deals that saw Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott sign for Aston Villa provide squad depth, while Victor Lindelof has joined on a free transfer after his release from Manchester United.
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery watches on.
Nevertheless, many supporters feel the Villans have been held to a higher standard than others by the authorities, something that Marc Albrighton has hammered home in a recent phone-in session on BBC Radio West Midlands.
He stated: "It is really frustrating because the Leicester victory was 10 years ago and somebody brings it up every single day - that is how special it was. To take that opportunity away from potentially happening to other clubs is scandalous really.
"I just think the PSR issue really needs sorting out. It's so frustrating for clubs like Villa that have got the money but can't they spend it. Then they are having to sell other players too - it's making a mess. I think there's a few things at the minute which needs looking at in football and that is one of them."
If finances permit, Aston Villa are eyeing a £40 million move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in January. However, they are also plotting to add a new face to their backline that may arrive into conversation at a similar ballpark.
Aston Villa plot move to sign Athletic Club star Dani Vivian
According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian in January, though will need to compete with Premier League pair Manchester United and Newcastle United for his signature.
Putting him within reach financially, the 26-year-old has a release clause worth about £34.7 million, making him someone that could arrive for a relatively modest fee while strengthening Emery's squad for the second half of the campaign.
Labelled "colossal" by Thom Harris, Vivian scored four times in 46 appearances last term and has started 2025/26 by playing a part in three consecutive La Liga victories, including a clean sheet against Rayo Vallecano.
Illustrating his quality of distribution from deep, the 26-year-old has maintained a pass accuracy rate of 79% in the Spanish top-flight, per Fotmob, completing 109 successful passes in total.
Aston Villa were hampered in their attempts to recruit properly this summer, though may now be set to atone for their frustrating window once the January market period gets underway.