This mega transfer swap deal makes great sense for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
As Premier League clubs try to navigate the Premier League’s tricky profit and sustainability rules (PSR) again this summer, a theme from this time last year could carry over.
Bold transfer swap deals became quite the trend ahead of the 2024/25 season as several clubs up and down the division tried to find the best ways to deal with PSR issues. There’s no definitive loophole, as such, but teams discovered that buying and selling players to one another in a non-official swap deal was a clever workaround.
Take Villa’s sale of Tim Iroegbunam to Everton, for example. The Villans let their academy product leave for Goodison Park for £9 million, while Toffees winger Lewis Dobbin moved in the other direction for £10 million. Then there was Nottingham Forest’s £35 million purchase of Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson that saw fringe goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos leave for £20 million.
Out of all four of those deals, Anderson is arguably the only one who has represented any clear value afterwards. It was obvious that many of the transfers - not just the examples mentioned - only went ahead for PSR reasons. As much as they were a little questionable, they were at least within the boundaries.
Which similar deals could go ahead this summer, then? Well, Birmingham World has been taking a look at squads across the Premier League and believes there’s one move, albeit a little left-field, that could work rather well for all parties involved.
The Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest swap deal that weirdly makes sense
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could complete one of the swap deals of the summer.Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could complete one of the swap deals of the summer.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could complete one of the swap deals of the summer. | Getty Images
Villa and Forest are expected to be forced into sales ahead of the PSR deadline on June 30. It feels harsh as both clubs have qualified for continental football - the Europa League and Europa Conference League respectively - but the grim reality is that the so-called ‘big six’ are favoured by the regulations.
Enzo Barrenechea is one fringe player - along with several others including Emiliano Buendia and Kosta Nedeljkovic - who Villa could sacrifice. The defensive midfielder joined from Juventus last summer - ironically in a PSR-aiding swap deal involving Douglas Luiz and impressed on loan at Valencia throughout the season just gone.
Forest could be a good destination for Barrenechea as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will need to bolster their depth and quality in midfield ahead of their first European venture in 30 years. Barrenechea is a defensive-minded playmaker who could sit in at the base of Nuno’s diamond. Ibrahim Sangare has shown glimpses of real promise in that position but has struggled for consistency, so Barrenechea could be a brilliant alternative.
Who could move in the other direction, then? Well, as eyebrow-raising as it may be, Callum Hudson-Odoi could be a prime candidate. Now, we know what you’re thinking: why would Forest sell one of their star wingers? That’s an understandable thought, and one we’ve had too, but Hudson-Odoi is heading into the final 12 months of his contract and is a player Birmingham World understands was once on Villa’s radar.
Unai Emery is hoping to sign a new versatile forward this summer and Hudson-Odoi, who can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, could tick many boxes. The 24-year-old is quick, he’s a strong ball-carrier and he’s a superb crosser. Three times an England international, the former Chelsea man could be a decent alternative to Marcus Rashford, who will no longer be joining permanently from Manchester United.
Now, Forest would likely demand a sizeable fee for Hudson-Odoi given his importance. The winger scored five goals and provided three assists in 31 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, playing 64 per cent of the minutes available to him.
Last summer, when Hudson-Odoi was linked with a move to Man Utd, the fee quoted was around £40 million. Forest won’t have as much of a leg to stand on this summer due to the limited time left on the winger’s contract, but Villa would still need to cough up a decent figure.
To make it work, Villa could offer Barrenechea plus cash, say £15 million, and fund the difference by letting the likes of Buendia and Nedeljkovic go. Or, in proper 2024 style, Villa could sign Hudson-Odoi for £30 million and sell Barrenechea to Forest for £15 million in separate transactions.
Villa would then of course need to make extra sales to conform to PSR, but that’s expected anyway. Could you see this mad swap deal happening, or are we going bonkers? Let us know in the comments section below.
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