Given the credible media coverage over the last three days, the following have emerged to be all be done:
- Johan Manzambi from Freiburg to Villa – 70m euros.
- Youri Tielemans from Villa to Man United – 35m pounds (RELEASE CLAUSE)
- Lucas Digne from Villa to PSG – Under 10m pounds. (RELEASE CLAUSE)
Well, we’ll start in chronological order – Johan Manzambi to Villa. Whilst I don’t know much about him other than him being a midfielder from Freiburg, I am quite impressed that we have managed to pull out a fee like 70 million euros. Also hijacking him from Newcastle was quite a nice feeling too, hehe. I do believe that we obviously knew Tielemans was out the door so we could spend that kind of money, and I do really hope he lives up to his fee!
Tielemans. To be honest, this one hurts. Although it has opened the door to sign Manzambi, to lose one of our best players over the last few years stings. Youri has been absolutely incredible after a shaky start, and we should be grateful for his achievements. Plus, a 29-year-old with two years left on his contract, who isn’t exactly allergic to injuries – I don’t think 35 million is too bad a fee.
Digne. I think he’s always been reliable since he joined Villa, and was going to leave this season or next season. At 32-years-old, I think it’s an outstanding achievement to be recognised for his World Cup performances for France and I hope it does work out for him at PSG.
Regarding Digne, I did see we were looking at replacing him with Pervis Estupinian, who I would probably class as an upgrade.
Overall, regarding the three players overall net spend of £25m, and with Tielemans out the door I can’t see us selling Rogers now. I also see we’re looking to offload Lewis Dobbin for £9m, which is a great fee considering I can’t see it working out for him at Villa – another player who is constantly loaned out for no reason other than a reluctance to sell for some daft reason!
Overall, I think we’ve made a risk, but a statement of intent with a big money signing and I look forward to see how it all pans out, as well as all of your thoughts in the comments of the article.
Looks like the Villa summer is livening up!
Please forgive me for recording, on a football blog, the passing of the great and unique Sir Garry Sobers at the age of 89.
I had the privilege of meeting the great man in Barbados. I was a gibbering wreck, overcome by the occasion and he was the most generous and humble of men putting me at ease. As a massive cricket fan it was one of the most memorable moments in my life.
RIP Sir Garry, one of a kind -GOAT.
Thanks everyone for your indulgence.
Manzambi signs