The transfer window is hotting up for Aston Villa as talks get underway for big-name players
Aston Villa are finally motoring on with their transfer business after a stuttering start to the summer window.
The Villans have made two astute first-team signings in Evann Guessand from Nice and Marco Bizot from Brest, but supporters were hoping for more to help Unai Emery’s side remain competitive. It was always going to be tricky with the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) proving an obstacle, but an agreed sale of the women’s team allayed fears of a breach.
It was hoped Villa could start to think about a few more incomings once PSR was dealt with, however they’ve been pegged back further by UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR). It’s taken a while, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel as Villa are now beginning to sanction some significant sales which could fund more signings.
Jacob Ramsey is the first high-value player on the move as Newcastle United are in advanced talks over a £40 million deal to sign the academy product. Ramsey doesn’t appear to be the only one set for the exit door, though, as another player on the fringes of the starting lineup is being eyed for a big-money transfer.
Roma ‘in talks’ to sign £30m Villa attacker
Leon Bailey, tipped at the beginning of the summer as one of the likeliest to go, is now exploring a move away. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports AS Roma have entered negotiations with Villa over a loan deal with an obligation to buy Bailey at the end of the season.
Clubs in Turkey, including Besiktas, are also keen on Bailey, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League discussed a deal earlier in the window. It’s revealed that the Jamaica international is currently training away from the rest of the squad to give him space to weigh up his options.
Bailey’s future has been in doubt since the turn of the year as his involvement has gradually lessened. The 28-year-old, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million in 2021, played just 1,144 minutes of Premier League football last campaign and scored only one goal, in a 2-1 win over Leicester City in January.
Bailey’s confidence seemed to drop last season despite him enjoying a terrific campaign before that. The winger scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 35 Premier Leagye appearances throughout 2023/24, so it was a great shame he wasn’t able to continue that fine form.
Marco Asensio dominoes falling into place
Bailey leaving makes Marco Asensio’s return more likely as it frees up some much-needed wage budget. As much as some Villa fans won’t want this to be the case, Asensio would then take up the number 10 role, with Morgan Rogers able to move to a slightly weaker position on the right flank to fill the void left by Bailey.
Asensio coming back would be a real boost as Emery is desperate to work with the former Real Madrid man for the long term, but it could mean Rogers not playing his favoured attacking midfield role. Birmingham World understands talks are already underway with Paris Saint-Germain over the structure of a possible deal.
Villa’s technical director, Damian Vidagany, has been exploring the possibility of bringing in Asensio on a second loan despite the fact his PSG contract expires at the end of the current season. Another option is a cut-price permanent deal. Either way, it’s getting likelier Asensio comes back to Villa Park.
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