‘Aston Villa man has agreed lucrative deal after exit update’
Aston Villa have made great strides on and off the pitch over the past couple of years as they continue to challenge for another season in the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, with five Champions League spots on offer to top-flight clubs this season.
The West Midlands giants have suffered a blow after Chris Heck has confirmed he will leave Villa Park at the end of this season.
Villa’s president of business operations, who joined the club in May 2023, is set to take up a role at LIV Golf.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it will be a “very lucrative” job for the American.
Heck helped Villa post a club-record revenue last season after their turnover increased from £217.7million in 2022-23 to £275.7million.
Aston Villa could suffer momentum blow after high-profile exit
Borson suggested Heck’s departure could see Villa lose some of the momentum they have built up over the past couple of years.
He told Football Insider: “It seems to be a blow.
“They have done well in terms of the aggressive business plan that they pursued.
“As I understand it, Chris Heck is effectively the CEO, so you’ve got somebody who’s been quite successful moving on. It’s not ideal.
“I think he jumped rather than was pushed. I think jumped in terms of going to LIV Golf, which presumably is a very lucrative new job.
“I think it is a hit for Villa. I know he’s been criticised for the ticket prices, but that is par for the course these days, no pun intended. But that is just the way it goes.
“All of the clubs have got this challenge with ticket prices, and none more so than Villa because they are in this growth phase and, therefore, need as much money coming through as possible just to meet PSR, just to pay for the investment.
“I do think it is a blow. I suspect he’s got a very good reputation.
“When you have that sort of move, then you can lose some momentum.”
Aston Villa to accept Leon Bailey offer
Football Insider revealed on 30 April Villa plan to accept offers for Leon Bailey ahead of the summer transfer window.
Emery is keen to offload the 27-year-old and bring in a new winger capable of providing more of a cutting edge.
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
The Jamaica international, whose contract expires in 2027, has registered just two goals and four assists in 37 appearances this season.
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