Unai Emery could be forced to sell an Aston Villa star.
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Declan Carr
Thu 22 May 2025 18:10, UK
Aston Villa face a huge summer, although it looks as though there could be more outgoings than incomings in the West Midlands.
The Villans still have a chance to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive campaign if results go their way on the final day of the Premier League season (25 May).
Unai Emery and Monchi will be keen to strengthen the squad, especially if Villa qualify for the Champions League. However, financial regulations may force them to take a step backwards before they move forward.
Monchi
Monchi will lead Villa’s business in the summer (Credit: Imago)
Villa may be forced to sell Ollie Watkins or another big star
Villa may be forced to sell a star player in the summer transfer window to balance the books.
As reported by Mail Sport (7 May), Villa need to make a significant sale before 30 June to stay in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
TV commentator Ian Darke believes that the Birmingham-based outfit could sell somebody that they would prefer to keep, but could also see several squad players being sold to make up the deficit.
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Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Darke said, “He [Emery] made a point, didn’t he, of really buttering up Watkins the other day after he left him out of some big games.
“I think is a really interesting case study, I can’t imagine he [Watkins] is totally happy or trusts that he is definitely the first choice when everybody is available.
“They sold Jhon Duran for loads of money, and they have got to make a big sale, but you look at their squad, there are probably a lot of people who might be under that view.
“They could probably sell Leon Bailey, they might even sell Jacob Ramsey, Lucas Digne, because they have got Ian Maatsen coming through, and Emi Buendia. There are quite a few you look at and think they can definitely get decent fees for.
“I mean it will be interesting, it could be that a name that they ideally want to keep, they have to let go, but I don’t think it will Youri Tielemans, because Emery picks him every week and he has had a stellar season.”
Ollie 1Watkins
Watkins could be set for a summer exit (Credit: Imago)
Premier League should be ashamed amid Villa’s PSR issues
How are clubs meant to compete at the elite level if every time they try, PSR rules force them to get rid of their best talent?
The Villans are trying to compete among Europe’s elite, but how will they do that if they cannot keep all of their stars?
Premier League Played GD Points
4. Newcastle 37 +22 66
5. Chelsea 37 +20 66
6. Aston Villa 37 +9 66
Villa are fighting for a top-five spot
The current system is not fit for purpose and the Premier League need to fix it, otherwise the big six will always have an advantage and will be uncatchable.
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