Michael Carrick’s former side Manchester United may have done Middlesbrough a huge favour ahead of the summer transfer window, by beating Aston Villa on the final day of the season, thus ensuring Villa failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United won 2-0 against Unai Emery’s side at Old Trafford and it meant Villa will play Europa League football next season. That results in a significant dip in the amount of revenue the Midlands club could have earned had they qualified for the Champions League again.
It was not without controversy either, with former Boro man Morgan Rogers denied what looked a perfectly good goal when he capitalised on a handling error from United keeper Altay Bayindir to score. However, referee Thomas Bramall blew for a foul before Rogers put the ball in the net, meaning VAR couldn’t intervene and award the goal.
Rogers is ultimately the reason why any of this final-day Premier League drama is relevant to Boro. Having last week received a financial boost in the form of bonus payments from the Djed Spence sale when Tottenham beat Manchester United to win the Europa League and therefore qualify for the Champions League, Boro would also receive a significant windfall if Villa were to sell Rogers this summer.
As well as a £16 million deal that was agreed between Villa and Boro in January 2024, Boro also insisted upon a future sell-on fee being included. It means they will be due a percentage of whatever money Villa make when they do come to sell Rogers. The exact percentage Boro are due is not known, but was described at the time as ‘big’.
Rogers has impressed so much this season and has already earned Boro extra money through the performance-related bonuses that were included in the transfer package. With Villa not qualifying for the Champions League next season though, there becomes a possibility that he moves this summer, in what could be close to a nine-figure deal that would bank Boro considerable money.
What is known right now is that Villa are in a vulnerable position as far as PSR is concerned and will have to sell players this summer and also decrease their wage bill. That would have been the case even if they’d qualified for the Champions League. But having now missed out on the considerable finances due from qualification for that, the need to sell will be even greater,
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been credited with interest in the former Boro man, 22. However, reports have suggested that while Villa will have to sell certain players this summer, Rogers is one in particular who they are adamant they will not sell.
Despite that, a combination of their PSR situation and Rogers’ potential desire to play Champions League football next season could force Villa’s hands. It’s a situation Boro are likely to follow closely, given the potential for a huge financial boost.