Aston Villa could reportedly still be active in the summer transfer window, but further big-money signings have been ruled out.
It’s been a quiet summer on the transfer front for the club, with Marco Bizot arriving to replace Robin Olsen as our No.2 goalkeeper, while Evann Guessand was signed for a significant fee to bolster our attacking options.
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Villa have balanced that with outgoings, most notably the expected departure of Jacob Ramsey in the coming days, as the club has continued to come under pressure to balance our books, initially for PSR purposes, but also to ensure that we comply with UEFA’s regulations.
While it’s hoped that we still have scope to bring in further reinforcements as Unai Emery’s squad arguably looks a little lighter at this point, the Express and Star report that Villa are likely to target the loan market in the latter stages of the transfer window, while exits for Alex Moreno and Leander Dendoncker could give us some financial flexibility to spend additional money.
However, it’s stressed that another signing at the level of Guessand, who arrived in a deal worth an initial £23.5m, is not on the cards.
In relation to the potential outgoings, which could also apply to the likes of Lewis Dobbin and Samuel Iling-Junior too, it’s easy to identify which individuals are surplus to requirements, but it’s another thing entirely to find an interested party willing to pay what we deem a suitable fee to sign them outright.
In turn, there is concern that we might not be able to shift these players before the deadline, on a permanent basis at least, and so that could keep us restricted in terms of what we’re able to do with signings of our own.
Loan deals sound sensible provided that there are some top options available who can make a difference and strengthen our squad by adding competition and depth, and so that will be another challenge for Monchi and our recruitment team to find the right profile of player who will suit Emery’s system and style of play, and ultimately improve us.
It’s been another difficult summer as Villa navigate the relevant financial rules, but it’s just hoped that we’re able to give Emery enough tools to continue to work his magic and oversee continued progression and success.
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