Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks on nervously during pre-season.placeholder image
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks on nervously during pre-season. | Getty Images
Aston Villa were forced to sell a much-loved star over the summer transfer window
Aston Villa are leaving behind a summer transfer window which many at the club will hope to forget after PSR constraints and constant exit rumours hit the club’s aims to compete with the higher echelons of the Premier League.
It would have been a difficult task anyway, considering the extortionate amounts of money the traditional ‘big six’ spent this summer. But the Villans have forced themselves into that conversation in recent years and may feel disheartened as it looks as though things may be changing.
The Villans were forced to contend with the departures of star names over the summer and there is the indication that a similar fate may befall them in future transfer windows.
Jacob Ramsey reveals key reason for joining Newcastle United
Ramsey said: “Since Eddie joined Newcastle I haven’t heard one person speak badly of him. In the media he comes across really well. I looked at the team and saw Tino, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall - and he’s made them all better players. When I found out Eddie Howe wanted me in his team, I immediately thought Eddie Howe will improve me.”
One of the most highly-rated English managers around and a man known to improve younger players, as referenced by Ramsey, the reputation of Howe no doubt played a key role in Ramsey’s decision to move to the Magpies. With first-time opportunities hard to come by at boyhood club Villa last season, it may have appeared that a fresh start was the right call as Ramsey looks to take the next step in his young career.
‘Living my dream’ - Jacob Ramsey opens up about emotional exit
Whilst Howe certainly played an important role in Ramsey opting to move to the North East, the truth is that the midfielder left Villa Park because of a mixture of PSR financial needs and a desire for more playing time. It was unlikely to have been Ramsey’s plan to leave at this stage of his career. He penned an emotional tribute to the club on social media after his departure was announced.
Ramsey wrote on Instagram: “It’s impossible to put into words what playing for Aston Villa has meant to me. From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it. This club has been an extended family to me, and I’ve got memories for life - from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park and scoring my first goals in those competitions.
To everyone at Aston Villa, both at the academy and in the first team, thank you for your support, belief and guidance. You’ve helped me become the person and player I am today. I’ve played with some of the best & made friends for life. And finally to the fans - thank you for the love and backing. To represent you, as a boy from Birmingham, has been an absolute honour. Onto the next chapter now, but wish you all nothing but the best in the future. Thank you for everything!! JJ.”
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