‘Aston Villa big red light is flashing’ – insider reveals club ‘on a tightrope’
Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted his old side are “living dangerously” after concerning new analysis from Deloitte.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the Midlands side will have to sell players in the future if results under Unai Emery drop off.
As per the Deloitte Football Money League 2025 (23 January), Aston Villa spent 96% of their turnover on wages in the 2023-24 campaign.
That figure is much higher than rivals Newcastle (68%), West Ham (58%), Tottenham (42%) and Man United (56%).
Villa’s revenue will be boosted this season due to their participation in the money-spinning new Champions League.
Aston Villa are ‘on a tightrope financially’, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Looking at the wages to turnover ratio, which is a really good thermometer on the temperature of a club, Aston Villa are now at 96%.
“That is a big red light flashing.
“Looking at clubs in the Championship, a lot of them spend over 100% and even up to 170% on wages.
“But for the Premier League, you should really keep it at around 70-75%.
“Villa really are pushing the envelope. They’re in the Champions League, and they’ll want to qualify again – or we’re going to see sales.
“They’re right on the edge, but they are seeing big improvements.
“The owners are pushing it – it’s a brave strategy, but they will have to adjust if they aren’t so successful next season.
“They’re living dangerously on a tightrope financially, but they’re getting results at the moment. They have to keep doing that, or there will be adjustments.”
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