FIFA to make 'major contribution' to Aston Villa after shattering Amadou Onana blow - Finance guru

Aston Villa will not be left empty-handed after Amadou Onana suffered a serious injury during the 2026 World Cup.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that, despite FIFA's help, it is a "very bad" situation for Villa financially.

Despite the midfielder's only other start coming in Belgium's opener against Egypt, Onana could now be sidelined for the next 12 months.

It is believed that the injury-prone star suffered an ACL injury during the 4-1 win over USA on Tuesday, 7 July, lasting just 21 minutes at the Seattle Stadium.

Unai Emery had no plans to add another midfielder to his squad this summer, but the Spaniard may have no choice now after the season-ending injury.

It is understood that FIFA's Club Protection Program, brought in in 2012, will cover up to £6.6million in wages, though Onana reportedly earns £6.7m a year.

Aston Villa in 'very bad' position after latest injury

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed how the player's new issue could impact the Villans during the 2026-27 campaign.

"It's a major contribution either way, but I don't know whether it pays the whole of the salary or not," he said.

"The reality is that the players are paid more than people think generally, but it's a combination of bonus plus add-ons in terms of bonuses, team bonuses, individual bonuses.

"In a proper season, he'll be earning more than £120,000, £140,000. But the key thing is that they've got a major contribution towards his salary cost from an SCR perspective.

"I think he was bought for about £50m, plus you'll have had the various costs on there. So you're talking about £10m to £11m a year of amortisation for the player.

"It's actually very bad for Villa from the playing side, but also from the financial side. But these things happen."

Who could Unai Emery sign to replace Amadou Onana?

Understandably, Villa will likely be diving back into the transfer market after a blow to one of their biggest midfielders.

For emotional reasons, Douglas Luiz signing on a permanent deal has been discussed by supporters, but he failed to impress on loan last season.

The Villans could certainly rival Newcastle United for the signing of Monaco's Lamine Camara, while Arthur Atta was also an option.

He is now set to sign for Fiorentina, however, so it would appear that replacing Onana this summer will be much more difficult than expected.