Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana react to cryptic message from Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen
Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana reacted to a cryptic message from Ian Maatsen on social media during a hectic time for Aston Villa.
Villa were slapped with a £9.5million fine by UEFA for failing to comply with their financial rules, and Unai Emery’s side could be barred from European competition if they continue to fail the governing body’s regulations.
With the clubs’ place in Europe under threat, finance expert Dan Plumley told Football Insider that Villa may have to sell a few of their players this summer.
However, this puts the Villains in a tricky position. The club missed out on a place in the Champions League last season on goal difference, and will be keen to keep the spine of their team intact whilst also making additions to improve Emery’s starting XI.
As such, Villa may look to cash in on a homegrown star like Ramsey, as the financial boost from the sale will allow the club to still be active in the transfer window this summer.
Ian Maatsen shares cryptic message
This is not the first time that financial regulations have affected Villa’s summer business, as Maatsen was one of several players through the Villa Park turnstile last summer in a PSR-motivated transfer.
And whilst uncertainty reigns supreme in the Midlands, the Dutch defender has been away from the club during the break from football.
Maatsen shared an image of himself on Instagram with the cryptic message: “Never chasing validation”, and the post was liked by Ramsey and Onana.
Ian Maatsen given chance to nail down left-back spot
Football Insider Verdict
Maatsen’s first season at Villa Park was not bad, but the 23-year-old hardly set the world alight.
The Dutch defender featured in 29 Premier League games for Villa, but started only 10 of them as Emery relied on Lucas Digne to be his first-choice at left-back.
However, with the Frenchman looking likely to depart, Maatsen will be given a chance to shine next season.
The former Chelsea man was spectacular whilst on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the 2023/24 season and is without a doubt one of the better Premier League fullbacks offensively.
But Maatsen will also need to prove he can add defensive solidity to his game, or else his place in Villa’s starting XI may come under threat.