Aston Villa news: Finance guru issues ‘major’ US claim as £239m deal lined up
Aston Villa have the capacity to be a “major” commercial “force” in the United States.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Wes Edens’ and Nassef Sawiris’ latest investment ambition.
The Villa co-owners are in talks and moving closer to acquiring the rights to start a new MLS team in Las Vegas, as reported by ESPN on 21 January.
Per Birmingham Live last Tuesday (25 January), MLS commissioner Don Garber has suggested it would cost £239million to launch a new club.
Plumley claims that Villa can use their owners’ Vegas-based venture as a commercial outpost to boost their profile across the pond.
“They are one of the biggest clubs outside of that big six,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Even with some of the big six, you haven’t got links to America yet.
“United and Liverpool are the biggest link, and Spurs have the NFL link, while City have got the link through New York City.
“But Villa are a ‘big club’. We use that phrase quite flippantly, and I don’t generally like using it.
“But in the UK with the historical context, they’ve been European champions. With geographical context, they’re from Birmingham, the UK’s second city.
“With Gerrard coming in and the Coutinho signing, that boosts your brand profile and shows the ambition as well.
“You look at that and with all things considered, I think they’ll be targeting becoming a major force and seeing the US as a growth market.”
Coutinho signed on loan from Barcelona in January, while Gerrard was named manager in November last year.
Villa are next in action against Leeds United next Wednesday (9 February).
In other news, Aston Villa starlet Kaine Kelser agrees to join MK Dons.