After coming out of what was undoubtedly one of the most bizzare transfer windows in the history of our football club, a round up post felt sincerely appropriate.
To be honest, contrary to what the first two results may lead one to think, I have quite enjoyed discussing Villa and football in general recently. Maybe winning the Europa League just takes the edge of things, remembering the magical night in which we ended our 30 year wait for a trophy.
However, there is certainly one thing that no Aston Villa fan could have saw coming, and that was that we would lose over half of that Europa League winning squad this summer. Deja vu for the older generation of fans, one may claim? There will be many on the site who more than likely look back at the European Cup win in 1982 and think we should’ve built more of a dynasty with the team we had at the time, but instead we were relegated just a few years later.
There’s one thing I am fairly certain about, and that is the fact that with Unai Emery, unless the team is utterly woeful and clearly in the bottom three teams in the league (which won’t happen with our finances), we will never actually get relegated for as long as we keep the manager.
Now, to the wider point of the article, an honest overview of Aston Villa’s transfer business this summer;
According to Transfermarkt.co.uk (which is where I will be taking all financial information from) Villa generated an income of €360.25m euros, and had an expenditure of €300.2m.
Big departures included the sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for €138m, the sale of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for €59.6m, the sale of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal for €58.40m and finally, the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for €41m. Notably, long time servant and iconic goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who won two Yashin awards with us, also departed for Chelsea for a fee of €8.75m. Additionally, Lucas Digne joined PSG for €7m, in very good spirit having left in a fantastic manner after serving as a superb professional for our club.
It’s very easy to look at the financial aspect of these transfers, where I actually think we received above value for pretty much all of the sales mentioned, however one thing I noticed was the amount of big players we sold to Premiership rivals. There’s no doubt that Rogers, Tielemans, Konsa and Martinez all had their heads turned as soon as their respective new clubs approached them, but it was a shock to see the club make four fairly significant sales to rival Premier League opponents, who have a fair likelihood of being near us in the league come the end of the campaign.
Overall, in terms of sales, I thought we sold quite well. It wasn’t ideal to lose a whopping SIX players who started in the Europa League final in Istanbul, but thankfully we got hefty fees for them all, barring the two who’s stock was very low due to their age. Mind you, a Premiership club would not have paid anywhere near the fee for Watkins I doubt, so I am thankful for the interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. These sales truly initiated the beginning of an Unai Emery built Aston Villa team, and could be a landmark in our history. There is no doubt fans will remember for the rest of their time following Villa the year where we won the European Cup and then sold half the team the following summer window.
A very small mention of the sale of Leon Bailey to Olympiacos, who only ever found his feat in very small phases. Some players just aren’t cut out for the Premiership, and unfortunately I think he would’ve been better of staying in Germany. I hope he finds his feet in Greece. On the contrary, the sale of Donyell Malen also came under this window, I won’t even discuss that one, you know my thoughts – what a disaster.
In terms of incomings, another one for the history books. The photo of Unai Emery stood next to his brand new team, undoubtedly sanctioned by the media team to instill confidence into the minds of the fanbase who frequently keep up with the club digitally, is mind-blowing. To think we’ve brought in that many players, and that Unai Emery finally has his team after bringing success with a team made up of signings from Gerrard, Smith and Bruce, is exciting to think about.
Signficant incomings include Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for €60m, Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for €55.5m, the surprise signing of Ibrahim Mbaye for €55m, the signing of Joao Gomes from geographical rivals Wolves for €40m, the replacement for Emi Martinez – Zion Suzuki for €30m from Parma, the much needed centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis for €30m, Matteo Ruggeri from Athletico Madrid for €25m, Cisse from LASK for €5.5m, and the serial winner Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, previously having played for Bayern Munich. Loan incomings also include Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Well, that list speaks for itself. What a summer of signings for the club! Whilst we have had to sell significant players to facilitate a summer window of this magnitude, there is no doubt that Unai Emery has intentionally dragged the average age of the team down significantly, whilst holding onto key players such as our captain John McGinn to maintain the club’s stability. This seems like such a calculated window from Emery and the board, and following a summer of close media attention due to the players we’ve lost, I really think we have something to prove, and that if all of these players reach their full potential at the same time then we really have a squad that can be serious title challengers in years to come.
All I know is that, whether I am alone in this or not, I feel very positively about the direction that this summer window has taken our club in as a whole, and whilst it has generated extensive noise from pundits and media companies across the footballing world, it’s important to note that it will take time for the squad to gel and find their feet, also recognising the fact that we do not have much time playing in the best league in the world.
I cannot single out players I am excited about, because I honestly see something in all of them, but I just can’t wrap my head around the signing of an 18-year-old from PSG for excess fifty million euros – he has to be good, surely?
I am keeping a very positive and patient head on, and I urge the rest of the forum to do so too. Now, to those who are still reading this extensive round-up, I will end on a massive UP THE VILLA!
BBC (or was it Sky?) reported on the net transfer position of all 20 clubs at the end of the window. Once again Villa came ‘bottom’ with a net spend of PLUS £51m which I assume will have increased with the sale of Bailey. No figures quoted on that one but it was suggested we were looking for c. £10m.
What has been, in my view, widely overlooked is the significant reduction in the wage bill that will also have been achieved in the window added to by Bailey’s late move which hopefully puts us in touching distance of UEFA’s 70% SCR thus avoiding a further fine.
Financially it has been an excellent window and I expect UEFA to acknowledge that we have complied with the ‘Agreement’ thus allowing us to register all the new players for the CL.
It remains to be seen how successful the team will be on the pitch but it’s noteworthy that over our two opening games the majority of our new signings were ‘unavailable’ as was the exciting talent of Brian Madjo.
Much to look forward to with, maybe, a hint of concern.
UTMV
I would say ‘caution’ and ‘trepidation’ – not so much concern!
Well done Alfie and Hitch, you have brightened up what seemed a dull Thursday. Well written and a positive message. Now its just a matter of picking the team.
Villa got 3.4 million for Leroy. Approximately half of which has been spent on balloons, streamers, party poppers, and ample cake to celebrate his departure. A good deal for all concerned!
TalkSport saying £7.3m (around €10m) which sounds about right.
Reported Villa were looking for £10m so the difference subsidises his wages over the three year contract.
TalkSport also suggesting Bailey is now the highest paid player in Greek football!!
TalkSport talking rubbish – again.
My apologies, it seems you were right BFR – Bailey fee around €4m but add £6m in wages off the books so overall worth c. £9.5m to the club.
On balance a decent deal for a player unlikely to figure at any stage this season.
👍
I have never been much excited than I am now with this new generation of players
When you consider what Emery achieved with the players he inherited that in all likelihood would have been relegated if we had stuck with Gerrard instead he transformed those same players who were average at best into World beaters just think what he will do with this new band of class players
I know all Villa fans appreciate Emery but sometimes I don’t think we realise what a genius he is, for instance Austin McPhee who has now departed for Chelsea was woeful before Emery joined I clearly remember every time we conceded a corner we sat with trepidation expecting the worse and if we had a attacking dead ball opportunity we may have just handed the ball back to the opposition then all that changed with Emery overseeing what happened on the training pitch
Once this team gel watch us fly
Bang on mate, Unai Emery has been one of the best things to ever happen to our football club and we would be nowhere near where we are now without him.
He will leave a legend regardless of what happens.
I think Emery’s work on McGinn goes unnoticed too.
Alfie, any chance of organising an Anfield Kop style banner with an image of Unai for the Holte End? Do you know anyone who could organise it properly as a long term banner?
Cisse wasn’t even in that photo!! It’s a shame about Konsa and Tielemanns, but that’s all. The rest needed to go, and although Twiggy could be a superstar on his day, those days were few and far between. Ollie was utter shite until the spring. Digne was awesome but his legs were slowing, so all the very best to him. Emi – fed up with the club being disrespected.
Incredibly happy with the signings and business in general. As I’ve said before, I’m sick of the ‘Emery will walk’ narrative.
Cannot WAIT until everyone is fit. This is going to see us fly under the radar and slice apart our opponents this year! That youthful energy is going to pay dividends!
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7552029/2026/09/02/inside-aston-villa-transfer-window-summer-2026/?unlocked_article_code=1.-FA.3Nk7.2JqyL1XOMrMn&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta
A detailed overview of the summer’s events. Worth a read.
Thanks BFR – enjoyed the read.
Tanswell writes well.
Article reinforces the fee level Villa wanted for Bailey as reported by TalkSport on his move to Olympiakos.
Ye time to get positive im now over the players departure and look forward to this season
Give it after the international break and we will come good our new defender gets amazing reviews as well
Remember Mike Dean?
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjql4w604eo
Scumbag or just unprofessional wanker? You decide.
He’s both and it sums him up that he thought he was a law to himself. Is it too late to investigate his so called ‘games’ and fine him for bringing his profession into disrepute.
Read it – well started to read it and decided it was a waste of my time – rather like Dean himself; a loud mouth, self seeking waste of time.
Shouldn’t he be charged with bringing the game, or more relevantly referees, into disrepute with those sort or remarks.
BFR – I rather think he was / is both.
Absolutely, he should be charged. How many scumbags in society have been charged retrospectively long after their crimes. He should absolutely be charged to maximum and the strongest message sent to all referees. He’s made an absolute mockery of the PRL.
Funny how we have gone from zero strikers against Brighton to potentially 3 against Hull if Madjo is available.
After another week of Emery’s coaching, I would like to think our new look Villa2.0 will be ready to get a few shots on target and hopefully a vital win.
Reports are suggesting mid September for Madjo which might, in reality, mean after the IB.
Still, with a fair wind, on the bench before then?
Love to see Manzambi on the bench but, given Unai’s comments, reckon that’s a couple of weeks away as well. Last thing Villa will want is Manzambi called up by Switzerland.
Ollie played his first game In Saudi and scored with a header. This was agame between two of the top sides but it was rubbish. He came on at half time and scored but was standing offside. Missed a couple of easy ones before taking a decent chance. He will love the attention but we won’t see him in an England shirt again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncEPOUXlO4U
327 people in the crowd?
328.
😂😂😂😂
Do we have a buy back clause for a fiver?
😆
Harwood-Bellis and Madjo not included in Villa’s CL squad.
Emery saying it’s a very hard decision but we have to go with what we see as our strongest squad. Hardwood-Bellis because he’s only just joined the club (and has to learn how Villa play – implied not Emery’s words) and Villa have Bogarde and Kamara that can play midfield or CB and Madjo because of his age and the fact he is injured for another couple of weeks.
Emery, of course, expects to play in Europe every season so he sees opportunity for them both next year! I’m also sure they’re the next cabs off the rank should we need injury replacements this season.
To be totally honest I wouldn’t mind missing Europe for a good run in the CL this season. If we’re not in Europe next season but receive good revenue from playing in the CL, we can actually spend a lot more next season.
Can’t we modify this in January though?
Alfie, that’s flawed thinking, I’m afraid. Villa have to be in Europe EVERY season to build not only the revenue, but their profile on the European and maybe even world stage. Unai simply doesn’t not do Europe. It’s a minimum requirement for our club. All Villa fans should also aspire to that as an absolute minimum. It’s never OK for Villa to not be in Europe!
Fair enough but the chances are the time will come so I’d brace yourself, lol.
Chelsea have arguably benefited from not being in Europe this season, but maybe it’s because Chelsea already have a high profile?
Was it Canadian Pete or Balague who said the Sky 6 can afford a season or two within Europe, as they’re so established internationally. Villa can’t.
Only for injuries, I think or if we haven’t got a full squad registered
Currently in a hotel in Liverpool for a gig so Hull article is 50/50. Would do one now, but want to give this one time to be discussed. Hoping to be back in Birmingham for the Hull game since I’m not going and it’s on Sky.
Hoping that Saturday traffic doesn’t relegate me to a stream in the car!
Welcome to use this one to discuss the Hull match if there is no article! 🙂
What gig????
I’ll open the Hull debate.
Which of the newbies will start; how well will we play, can we register a shot on target, can we score and win or will it be another pointless match (pun definitely intended) – discuss 😂
Marks will be awarded for accuracy, honesty as well as blind optimism 😂😂
We have to win. And we will win!
UTV!!!!!
In answer to Bum Bum’s question (ignore my previous comment – I got it wrong again!)
It seems that if we get through to the knock out stages we can make a maximum of three changes to the squad whatever the reason – that is they don’t need to be injured.
Our squad is reduced from 25 to 23 as we can’t meet the requirement for a minimum of 8 home grown players!
Source for above MyOldManSaid.
*about squad changes for CL games.
Hmmm…suspect again. But thanks!
Harwaood-Bellis, Gorezka and Manzambi not even in the bench
Aston Villa Starting XI
Aston Villa starting lineup: Zion Suzuki, Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, George Hemmings, John McGinn, Ross Barkley, Emiliano Buendía, Nicolas Jackson (4-2-3-1)
Aston Villa substitutes: Alysson, Marco Bizot, Ibrahim Mbaye, Lamare Bogarde, Alejandro Garnacho, Matteo Ruggeri, Pau Torres, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tammy Abraham
I expected so much more.
Don’t we all! I expected a lottery win last night but it never happened…
I think Emery is keeping his powder dry. Waiting to unleash the beasts!!!!!
We should be able to nick this…Maybe a change or two at half time?
How was that push on Jackson not a penalty?
Anywhere else on the pitch a bang on foul.
Reckon all the refs are playing a ‘Dean’ game – how long can we go before giving Villa a penalty?
Shocking game so far.
3 points are all that matters…For us obviously!
I’m absolutely gobsmacked watching this game, the team he fielded raises my eyebrows but I thought let’s see, I am not convinced we are going to be a club going places, too much pissing about passing the ball from back to front, I’m thinking I’ve had enough and stop worrying about the club.
One shot on goal in three games.
We were absolute shit.
Only positive was Suzuki otherwise complete and utter boring crap
Totally hopeless, we won’t play a worse team
We are a tough watch. No invention and no pace, just slow and tedious to watch. Jackson offered nothing today and clearly can’t play against a team set up to play a low block. If only we had Madjo available to throw a few crosses over. As for Garnacho, I’ve seen enough in a few games that he has been bought purely to do deals with Chelsea to get around SCR. Unfortunately, we got their cast offs and they got two of our best.
I really hope Manzambi and Mbaye can contribute because we didn’t look like scoring if we played all night.
Once upon a time, there was a striker. He was fast. And he could finish. Fans loved him. Opponents feared him. He was sold, inexplicably, for a third of market value. In his place a tall, cumbersome striker arrived. He’s not fast. And he doesn’t finish. If we’re brutally honest, hes a bit shit. Fans like him as he’s an old friend. Opponents don’t really notice him.
Then another striker arrived at maximum market value. 65 smakeroonies. He doesn’t stay in the middle like a normal striker and when, on occasions, he is in the middle, he doesn’t shoot. Ergo, he doesn’t score. We miss the striker who was flogged to the cheapskate Italians. His name was Malen. Donyell Malen.