Sources: Aston Villa to raise funds for signing blitz by letting stars go
Aston Villa are set to raise funds for their 2024 transfer business by letting up to five fringe stars go in next month’s window, sources have told Football Insider.
Mega-rich Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are ready to back manager Unai Emery with more signings in January.
But the Midlands giants must first trim their wage bill – and allowing loanee Clement Lenglet to return to Barcelona could contribute to that goal.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (18 December) that Barcelona could terminate Lenglet’s loan agreement as the defender is yet to play a single Premier League minute this term.
He is believed to be paid a jaw-dropping £204,000-a-week by parent club Barca, although it is unlikely Villa contribute the entirety of his wages.
Other players who have featured sparingly for Emery’s side this season include Leander Dendoncker, Bertrand Traore, Calum Chambers and Robin Olsen, with their futures up in the air.
Aston Villa sit second in the Premier League after 17 games and are keen to take full advantage of their stellar start by signing further reinforcements in January.
Football Insider revealed last week (12 December) that Emery’s side are keen to add two attacking players in the upcoming January transfer window.
One potential target is RB Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh, who has recently been added to the shortlist at Villa Park.
Sources told Football Insider on Wednesday (13 December) that Villa could land Gloukh in January for a fee of around £40-50million.
An out-and-out striker is also a priority for the Midlands giants – who currently only have Ollie Watkins and youngster Jhon Duran on the books.
Villa have also advanced to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League and will play in the competition’s last 16 in March.
In other news, Emery has had “fall-outs” with two Aston Villa stars.