‘Aston Villa set for more sales this summer’ after £71m deal agreed
Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed his old side will need to sell more players in the summer despite losing Jhon Duran for big money.
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 –warned fans that the potential drop down into Europa League football next season could prove costly and mean further exits.
Aston Villa sold Duran to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr last month (31 January) for a reported fee of up to £71million.
The Midlands giants, who have struggled to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in recent years, also moved Jaden Philogene and Diego Carlos on to Ipswich and Fenerbahce respectively.
Donyell Malen, Andres Garcia, Axel Disasi (loan), Marcus Rashford (loan) and Marco Asensio (loan) all joined Unai Emery’s side before the 3 February deadline.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (5 February) that Villa have added more than £11million to their wage bill for the remainder of the season.
They face a Champions League last-16 clash next month and sit eighth in the Premier League table.
Aston Villa dropping into Europa League will prove costly, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Duran’s sale has given them room, certainly.
“But if they are to kick on, they’ll have to go far in the Champions League and make their money.
“It’s doubtful they will qualify again next season. It looks more like Europa League will be more possible, so they have to make their money by going far this season.
“Other disposals and sales will come in the summer, I’m sure.
“And if they exercise some of the options in the loan deals they’ve agreed, that will also eat up a lot of the PSR headroom.
“It’s a balancing act, but it’s been a masterclass in trading so far. I’m sure Monchi has more thoughts about the summer ahead.”
In other news, Rashford shares first Villa training ground update.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.