Jacob Ramsey responds to Ian Maatsen’s ‘plan’ with Aston Villa exit on the cards
Aston Villa look set to lose their first big name of this summer’s transfer window amid links with both Ian Maatsen and Jacob Ramsey.
Unai Emery‘s side have navigated most of the window in the knowledge that their PSR situation could result in a departure from Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers on most team’s transfer lists.
Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Aston Villa would demand over £80million to sell Rogers this summer having previously established a £100m price tag, but they’re more open to other players leaving.
Aston Villa had set out a similar plan to keep hold of Ramsey beyond the end of the window but the 24-year-old’s £50m valuation has attracted a suitor in Newcastle, who are ready to step up their interest.
Maatsen demands ‘faith over fear’ amid Aston Villa exit talks
Ramsey is ready to push for his move to Newcastle to be completed this summer as Aston Villa eye up an alternative in the form of last season’s loanee Marco Asensio, but this saga still has a distance left to run.
Maatsen is another player who has been touted for the exit door just 12 months on from his £37m move from Chelsea, with some of his performances for Aston Villa raising questions over that price tag.
The Dutch international played second-fiddle to Lucas Digne for much of last season, but Maatsen’s latest Instagram post (12 August) implied that he’s ready to take the next steps in his Villa career.
In a message liked by the exit-liked Ramsey, Maatsen said: “Faith over fear, trusting God’s plan.”
Aston Villa to sanction Ramsey sale as PSR rules bite
Football Insider Verdict
Although Aston Villa‘s coaching staff and fans alike will be reluctant to lose a home-grown academy talent in Ramsey, their precarious PSR position means that his potential £50m sale makes a lot of sense.
Ramsey’s ability to generate ‘pure profit’ in PSR terms is good news for Villa as the likes of Nottingham Forest, Everton and Newcastle circle, with the latter currently best placed to secure his signature.
Losing Rogers or Watkins would arguably leave much greater holes for Emery to fill at Villa Park, and a potential £50m fee from Ramsey’s depature could be what kick-starts their incoming transfer business.