Aston Villa could be forced to part ways with a number of their top players this summer, amid their lack of Champions League football for next season, David Ornstein has revealed.
The Villans were on the wrong end of a controversial decision in their clash with Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League. Morgan Rogers saw his opener disallowed due to a perceived foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, and the Red Devils eventually went on to win 2-0 to sink Aston Villa's hopes of a consecutive season in Europe's top division.
Instead, Unai Emery's men will play in the Europa League, but that may have considerable implications on the outlook of their squad heading into the new season.
Ornstein: Villa Could Sell 5 Players this Summer
They were unable to secure Champions League football
Speaking to NBC Sports prior to the Premier League's final round of fixtures, Ornstein revealed that Villa's squad situation was quite tense, and acquiring Champions League qualification would provide the club with a much-needed boost. He said:
"They might have to sell players regardless of what happens today, but it would be such a boost. And when you're looking at the likes of Emi Martinez crying on the pitch the other day, he may be having to leave Villa Park, but let's see if they get into the Champions League. Morgan Rogers, many clubs looking at Aston Villa and saying, Could we pick him off if they don't get into the Champions League? Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, the difference between Champions League and not is night and day."
It could now be a complex summer for Unai Emery and his entourage to navigate now, as Aston Villa may be unable to convince the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins to stay put if a club with Champions League football next season comes knocking for his signature.
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Emiliano Martinez's departure has become a real possibility amid growing interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid. The Midlands-based outfit may further struggle to convince the Argentine to stay at Villa Park, given they no longer have Champions League prospects to offer.
Meanwhile, Villa are expected to lodge an official complaint to the Premier League following the controversial decision at Old Trafford, as they have felt a more experienced referee would have been better suited to the game given the stakes involved.
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Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com - Correct as of 25/05/2025