Stefan Borson: How Aston Villa’s £150m+ windfall will have ‘big impact’ on 2026 budget
Aston Villa are on course to earn more than £150million following their strong performances this season.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it’s going to have a “big impact” on the budget at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side currently sit third in the Premier League table, with five Champions League places expected to be on offer again this season.
Meanwhile, Villa are into the last 16 of the Europa League, having finished second in the league phase of the competition.
Why Aston Villa are in ‘very fortunate’ position in Champions League race
Villa narrowly missed out a place in the Champions League last season after finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Qualification for European football’s premier club competition is worth significantly more than the Europa League due to the increased prize money on offer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed how securing a return to the Champions League would improve Villa’s budget.
“As you would imagine, the big difference that they’re going to find over the next few months between the budget they’re going to spend in the summer is whether they qualify for the Champions League, and obviously they look well placed for that right now,” said Borson.
“It does look like they’re going to finish top five. Of course, they’re in a very fortunate position in that they also have the potential route through the Europa League. Again, you’d think that they have a pretty good chance at least of getting to the final.”
How Aston Villa’s budget will be impacted by Champions League qualification
Borson revealed the rewards on offer for Villa will be significant if they can finish third in the Premier League table, with fourth-place Manchester United currently three points behind them.
“Champions League does look likely as we sit here today,” said Borson.
“Now, that clearly will have a big impact on their budget. It will give them very significantly more than if they qualify for the Europa League.
“Clearly, if they also finish in the top five, you’re going to see very good TV revenue from the Premier League as well because of the merit-based system, where you get about £3m a place.
“They’re probably going to finish third, and they’ll be getting well over £150m for that.”
Villa’s next fixture sees them take on struggling Wolves at Molineux on Friday (27 February).
To read more about the race to secure Champions League football, head over to Villa News.