As per usual of late, I’m struggling to keep up with our signings.
It’s all come thick and fast and it’ll probably take me weeks, if not months to get my head around what will probably be the first eleven, let alone the whole squad.
Never mind, at least it’s way better than us not signing anyone.
I still have concerns that possibly more than a few of our signings, while good on paper, are going to struggle at Prem level, not because they’re not good enough, but it just takes some adapting too. The likes of Vertout back up my point.
But hey, it’s a time for optimism and even cautious me is doing his best to suppress any such doubts.
I’m drooling at the thought of 30,000 season tickets meaning near sell-out crowds with the entertaining, attacking footy that Dean Smith has promised us and demonstrated previously.
It’s going to be entertaining, just like it was in the seventies and eighties, whatever happens and that’s a good thing.
Anyway, the reason for the post is that I’ve seen an article that suggests Kalvin Phillips has been offered a package from Villa that will increase his wages from his current £10,000 a week to £60,000 a week over five years.
Now obviously that’s a big jump, but let’s really put that into perspective.
The difference is £2.5 million, as opposed to £15 million over that five years.
Of course, Leeds are doing their best to hold on to him, but the same article suggests they can’t match the £40,000 a week that they pay their highest paid players.
So if we guess they’re offering him £30,000 a week, he’ll still seemingly double his wages if he comes to us.
In fairness, it seems Phillips really wants to stay at his club and that’s admirable.
But hands up, who could resist doubling their wages in what might prove to be a short term career?
Of course, most of us would be happy with the £10k a week, which would set us up for life, in the first place.
But money is a strange thing.
I remember my first payrise that took me from £24 a week to £29 a week and thought it was a massive boost.
Then realised that the £29 rising to £37 seemed not so good a jump. Then the £37 rising to £49 seeming even smaller.
And…. well, you get the idea.
When you’re already earning decent money, it takes a bigger rise to impress you, I’ve found.
Hence while £40,000 a week and feeling the love at Leeds would probably satisfy Phillips, that £60,000 is going to prove pretty irresistable.
At least Phillips is continuing to do his job and train as he’s contracted/paid too.
As opposed to Marvelous Nakamba, who’s supposedly gone AWOL at FC Brugge and refuses to train, which is absolutely disgraceful in my opinion.
Ok, register your disdain at a club that is seemingly holding you back from probably a similar increase in wages, but you should at least turn up to do the work that you’re being paid for.
Don’t get me wrong, his actions will result in us getting the player at a cheaper price than Brugge want and that’s good for us.
But I do feel some sympathy for the Belgian club and Nakamba really ought to be playing the game that the club want him too, in hiding his feelings, to maximise Brugge’s leverage.
He signed a contract, after all.
But I guess that’s how the Premier league gulf can affect people.
It’s not the first time this sort of thing has happened, but I still don’t like it.
Dean Smith or at least someone at the club must really rate Nakamba, because signing him seems to go against all that Smith has told us about the type of player he wants.
He’ll certainly have to prove himself as a really good player before I’ll be referring to him as “Marvelous”.
Comments
130 responses to “The Premier league gulf”
3.McGinn
I half saw the second half (I was busy) and we were under the cosh for most of it.
As said, great save by Heaton, followed by another just after (or was it before?).
He looks really sharp.
McGinn’s goal was good, one touch and then a controlled shot.
Hourihane’s second apparently took a big deflection, but I couldn’t see it on my little phone picture.
There was a shot of Leipzig’s manager just after we got the third and he really looked like he was uncomfortable and really not expecting this result.
Make no mistake, while this was only a friendly and they mean little, it’s a brilliant result against a quality side on their own turf.
Badger, I’d expect something similar against the better teams in the Prem, us sitting back and hitting them on the counter. In that respect it was a good exercise for us.
Looking forward to seeing the highlights.
In fairness, Pat, they had at least 5 or 6 chances in quick succession and a more clinical team would have punished us.
It’s not so much we sat back, more they put us under pressure and the defence didn’t really look convincing.
Wesley never got into the game and the one chance I did see of his was a pretty feeble shot. Not his fault though.
To be expected though and it’s early days.
The big plus for me was McGinn. While he didn’t do anything special, his goal apart, he in no way looks outclassed at this sort of level.
His goal is worth a watch, although I hear CM’s first was class.
I’m reasonably confident and think we will nick some games in a similar manner to the way we did today.
keeper had a magic game. some great saves!!
heaton is some deal. the man looks the real biz lads
Agreed David.
From what I saw, he’s going to earn us some points this season, just as the Burnley fans said.
It really wouldn’t surprise me if Burnley go down and we survive, purely because of the goalie, such is the nature of things.
Yes I think that Heaton will be worth at least ten points to us this season.
So all pre-season games won and you can’t do more than that. It couldn’t have gone much better but the acid test will be next Saturday. We need to be patient as it might take us a few games to get going but I think we might do a little bit better than survive.
COYL
BTW Just watching Adomah play for Forest. Hope he has a good season and also knocks a few in against the Baggies this evening.
All in all, a very good game. Perfect end to pre-season. Dont forget this team finished third in the Bundesliga, and we went toe for toe with them on their own ground. No doub there are some improvements needed, but I thought we did really well today.
McGinn’s goal was quality, as were some of the other chances we created. Really like the look of Mings and Engels together, and finally we have two fullbacks who look good going forward. Heaton might also turn out to be our best signing!
Would like to see us pick up Maupay before the window closes, as I dont think we can rely on Kodjia or Hogan. Would be nice if we could sell a few of the squad fillers too, and find good loan spots for O’Hare and Davis. And lets be honest, the way this window has gone, that could well happen!
Happy days!
If Heaton gets us 10 points then that is huge…only 30 more to get..
one week to go and my expectations are through the roof. yesterdays last warm up couldn’t have been tougher.but just what they needed. heaton showed the fans what he is about, with some great shot stopping one man show. mings in his usual man mountain defending. not to forget protector of all his team mates. in trouble have you met my mate Mings
the opposition they hunted the ball down well , allowing little time for villa to get their neat passing game going. but villa kept with their game, relying on heaton at times.but villa also worked them hard and it was a close encounter. more like a cup game with everything riding on it.brilliant last warm up game. great prep for next week.
Some on FB were saying we were “saved” by Heaton and that’s a bad thing…rewind to May 1982….Mr Spinks….
Well it’s certainly no ‘bad thing’ for a goalkeeper to be in good form, however it must be remembered who we were playing. RB Leipzig finished comfortably in third place 8 points clear of Bayer Lebekusen in fourth. They had the lowest goals against in the whole league, just 29, whereas Bayern in top spot had 32 against. We scored three against them.
Leipzig are a decent team who finished third and next Saturday we are playing a decent team who finished fourth. Go figure.
Good result yesterday. Not sure where Leipzig are with their pre-season, but we had a team with six new players starting. We should be in good shape once the players get used to each other and the style of play. Here’s hoping that happens sooner rather than later
Just a comment on away kits. I watched the Baggies yesterday and I thought their away kit (yellow and green stripes that made my eyes go funny) was the worst until I saw Leeds just now. It’s like a browny-grey with bright pink, quite horrible.
Thank God that we chose right and got a classy and classic claret and blue away strip. Can’t see Leeds selling many of theirs.
Looks like the Benrahma rumour might be true, with Maupay going to Brighton;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1161677/Brentford-transfer-news-Neal-Maupay-Said-Benrahma-Exclusive
Given that the rumours are either (Maupay plus Benrahma) or one of them and a real top class striker, I’m actually quite excited.
I do think we need another top class striker. I expect either Kodja or Hogan to be sold / loaned out. Davis is another who would probably benefit from a loan move.
Wesley shows promise and hopefully he will plug the void left by Abraham. With Maupay destined for Brighton, will there be a surprise in store before the weekend? Exciting times ahead possibly with maybe 2 more incomings and quite a few outgoings I would imagine.
We’d better get a move on, as the window closes on Thursday at 5pm.
“Marquee” striker was the word I was looking for, but couldn’t think of.
If we get one, it seems we’ll have spent all the Prem money straightaway.
According to the Express and Star – “The two clubs also met in a behind-closed doors friendly yesterday before Villa returned to the UK, with Smith’s men again finishing on top courtesy of an 87th-minute strike from Jonathan Kodjia. Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba also featured in an XI which included Birkir Bjarnason and Henri Lansbury.”
So we beat Leipzig not once but twice!
I’ve been wondering about Kodjia and I’ve got a feeling he might surprise us all this season.
Building from the back is a sensible strategy but you win games by scoring more goals than the opposition so a top quality striker with back up is essential. We have, on paper at least, a mid field capable of creating chances but I’m concerned that we are light in the striking department – not really confident that any of Davis, Hogan or Kodjia are going to provide the striking power we need – so much rests on Wesley’s unproven shoulders.
We’ve spent an awful lot of money; I just hope there’s enough left in the kitty to get a striker in – preferably with experience either in the Prem or one of the European Cup competitions (at a high level).
On the Maupay connection – £20m for another striker unproven at the highest level (when we’ve already gambled on one) is step too far for me but I really don’t know what the alternatives are?
I personally feel we’ve been holding out to the very last minute for Tammy. Most of the press have reported Wesley came in for Tammy, but I never really believe that. He’s a completely different type of player. If we don’get Tammy, I can see that kinda money being redirected elsewhere. I’ve seen rumours of Andrea Belotti popping up in several locations with one itk suggesting an unnamed Italian is definitely joining the club. Beyond that I expect either Berahma or Harry Wilson to join. I still think we’re a little light in the flanks. Not long till the curtains open!
Maupay signs for Brighton and looks like we are getting. Bahrama. Who’s getting the better player?
Texas, I really don’t think it’s the right time for Tammy.
He isn’t the finished article, although I’ve no doubt he will be in a couple of years or so.
He’s just not strong or wily enough yet and needs to continue learning, imo.
Tom, good question.
Maupay is very good, but Benrahma looks different gravy and will easily cut it in the Prem, from the little I’ve seen of him.
But neither are the solution alone.
We have plenty of ammo providers who will chip in with goals, but I’m not seeing a 20 a season goalscorer in our squad.
If we can get that and it’s a massive ask, then I’d upgrade my “just survive” rating.
I’m going to have a very early guess and say Smith might move to a back 3 to give us 2 up front, if we don’t score enough.
Just my opinion/guess.
Just watching Huddersfield and remembering their problems scoring last year. However, I think it will be a different case for us as we shouldn’t be relying on a single striker for goals. We’ll get goals from Jack, John, Anwar, Conor and hopefully Trezeguet and Jota besides Wesley and whoever else we might bring in.
I’m still hoping for another striker but, the way we play, we should be in the position of getting a good percentage of our goals from mid-field. More than enough to survive IMHO.
Agreed, Pat.
Shots will come from all angles, but we’re talking the Prem now, as opposed to the Championship.
With much better defences, who will keep them out.
This is where we could do with a top notch poacher in the £50 mill minimum class.
I don’t think we’ll get one, which is what leads me to think Smith will go two up top later on.
The good thing about Wesley, is I don’t think there’s massive pressure on him, simply because we don’t know what kind of striker he is yet.
Although it would seem he’s more of a “set them up” type.
I don’t know, it’s all guesswork, as none of us have seen many of the side in a proper game.
All I know is my Spuds mate has thanked me for the 3 points on Saturday.
He got the sharp end of “F*ck off” from me.
I love footy banter 🙂
I said that I wouldn’t predict a match again but I’ve got a feeling that your Spuds mate might just be crying in his beer come Saturday night.
Strangely enough, Pat, I have the same feeling.
I’ve often commented on how first games often produce odd results.
The win at Arse always springs to mind.
August 1978. The last time Villa were the visitors for White Hart Lane’s first match of the season. Spurs 1 Villa 4. I was at that game, I will be at the New White Hart Lane hoping for a similar result.
Nice story brother! I wasn’t even born then but it’s that sort of thing that always remind me who my team are! Love our history! UTV.
Remember it well – we spoilt their Argentinian ticker tape party – what a shame!
Pat57. On ship independent of the sea. Walking throughout and some prat shouts we’ll do you you 4.0, told him to leave the beer alone sending him loopy. Should have reminded him of the past on start of season.
Remember us beating spurs the goals were on news at ten,my hero Brian Little scored a cracker never seen them goals since on tv but they must be out there.
Spurs could be laying the groundwork for a repeat. In 78 they paraded Ardiles and Ricky Villa before our game, today they swooped for another 2 S. Americans in the transfer market. Villa backed in from 10/1 to 8/1 for the win.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-dean-smith-16705252
Bit long but if you have the time this article (about our approach to transfers and keeping the spine of last season’s side) is well worth a read. One thing that really stands out is the thought and knowledge that has been put into getting the right players in – all of whom were either known to Deano or have been watched extensively.
In no way is this similar to Fulham’s approach last season.
Hitch, I really liked what Dean said towards the end of the article –
“We’re still looking, we’re always open. We’ve got some players we like, but everything has to line up I think for that to happen. I’m happy with the squad that we’ve got at the moment.
Yes, there are still some areas where you feel we can strengthen, but there’s a competitive edge around training at the moment because there’s competition for places in all positions.
“As a coach, that’s what you want.”
Fingers crossed for Saturday.
Diagne anyone? Latest rumour and prolific in Turkish league. Also he played with Trezeguet so maybe an obvious agent/ media connection.
Read that Holte. Don’t know anything about him but Suso / Purslow / Smith are hot on pairing or linking new signings so there might be something in it.
Harry Wilson is one to cross off the list Hitch now he has joined Bournemouth on loan. Maybe that’s the reason why we didn’t pursue it with Purslow ruling out loan moves and possibly Liverpool weren’t keen to sell?
Linked to Augustin from RBLeipzig so looks like we are still pursuing another striker.
Looks like Hogan is off on another season long loan – are we trying to raise his value?
Finally good news Holte – Luiz has been granted a work permit.
According to reports in Brazil, Luiz was granted a work permit on Monday but still requires ‘international clearance’ He has been training in Brazil and was due to fly into the UK yesterday to join up with the club – explains why we haven’t seen anything of him in pre season.
Brum Mail reporting that he is unlikely to play for some weeks as he gets up to full fitness and integrates with the team. One to look forward to.
AVFC are still to formally confirm
Badger.
Currently out in Thailand with my family on our best ever holiday to date. Although this will have its first setback on Saturday, as the Spurs kick off time will be midnight over here.
I came across this interesting article.https://underagaslitlamp.com/2019/08/07/aston-villas-growing-fanbase-in-overseas-markets/
It basically highlights Villa’s strategic attempt to conquer new African and Asian markets. I noted at the main Bangkok airport there is a whole Leicester City merchandise section (no other clubs). Further our taxis driver in Koh Samui also follows Leicester. Fans abroad equal merchandising opportunities.
Just a potential view merchandising opportunities of international player at Villa (excluding all European players, as I am working on the theory these markets are saturated).
Wesley Brazil Population 209 million
Luiz Brazil
Trezeguet Egyptian Population 97 million
Elmohamady Egyptian
Kodjia Ivory Coast Population 24 million
Marvelous Nakamba Zimbabwe 16 million
If the following are signed:
Said Benrahma Algeria Population 41 million
MBAYE DIAGNE Senegal Population 15 million
The reason why I think this is important is about strength in negotiating access to overseas Premier income rights. Previously foreign rights of £3.3bn were split equally, whereas UK rights between 1st and 20th had a 1.6 differential. Under new changes foreign rights to be split on 1.8 differential, meaning the higher in the league a team finishes, the great their income. Remember foreign rights are worth more than domestic rights through Sky, BT and Amazon Prime.
Next time TV negotiations occur, I am expecting with our owners financial clout for us to justifiably argue that we are a club supported by millions in a number of new and large markets. Therefore, we deserve a greater slice of the pie. Or, and I think the next big quantum leap forward is a club selling its own streaming rights. Just imagine the sales revenues we could generate. Let us not forget many of our new players come from nations who have an ever increasing middle class, who will buy into us, if we effectively position ourselves. Thus a significantly enhanced Villa fan base can propel us forward to being bigger and better financial status, with all the benefits thus will generate. I really think Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens see this as a likely outcome. They know if they can invest effectively now (at a perceived high cost) they can make a handsome return in the future. Hence the £130+m invested this year, will have similar investment (£100m) next year on only 2 /3 players. Thus allowing us to be top 6 or better and fulfil Purslow’s statement if us being financially secure indefinitely.
I value your thoughts.
Very good post Sid.
I’d guess that the Egyptian market could be massive for us. Besides Elmo and Trezeguet, Salah is the only player of note in the Prem (there’s also Elneny of Arsenal but he’s not been pulling up any trees). Elmo is captain of the national side and Trez is one of their most popular players.
Also, as one of our owners is Egyptian, then I’d guess he’d know that particular market very well which definitely won’t hurt.
Enjoy your holiday!
Sid, I’ve thought about how we get our revenues from the Prem, many a time.
And while I agree with you, that our worldwide fanbase puts us ahead of the vast majority, I’m not convinced that moving towards the amount of fans is the way to go.
1) It just plays into the hands of whoever can get away with piling the most money in, at a specific time. Think Chelsea, who still aren’t rated as big as us in certain quarters.
2) It just favours the likes of Red Manc and Pool even more, given their fanbases are probably top 5 or so in the world.
I do agree though, that the model is moving to a “make your own market” type system.
Which is a bad thing, as where would it leave the likes of Bournemouth and Brighton etc, who have never had a big fanbase, yet are currently offering plenty to the English game?
As much as I see a “proper” international market being a good thing for the Villa, I don’t like the idea of it.
I actually think I’d prefer a much more equitable game, where all Prem clubs get the same prize money, with only limited investment allowed and profits from the game generally split between the clubs/owners and the lower leagues.
Totally Utopian and it’ll never happen, but damn, it’d be great if we went back to the days where prestige meant more than money.
And it probably wouldn’t mean Citeh are odds on to win the league again.
Badger
I agree with your sentiment. Unfortunately Premier clubs have long since sold their souls.
I guess the existential threat would be a European Super League funded through individual clubs streaming their rights. That would break up the Premier League.
Wouldn’t be surprised if next years Pre-season includes trip to Egypt and US.
At last a great photo of Douglas and Dean –
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/08/07/douglas-luiz-arrives
Also read this, a bit of class from the Scottish Cafu –
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/07/alan-hutton-sends-message-to-aston-villa-ahead-of-tottenham-clas/
According to The Star “Villa have opened talks with RB Leipzig about the possibility of signing striker Jean-Kevin Augustin” –
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/796670/Aston-Villa-transfer-news-RB-Leipzig-Jean-Kevin-Augustin-Dean-Smith-Neal-Maupay
Two reasons for thinking that there might be legs to this – the first is that Villa will most likely have seen Augustin in action in the match that took place behind closed doors. The second is the fact that Hogan is off to Stoke on loan. If we’re not getting another striker in that wouldn’t be happening.
So after 12 players in we might be welcoming another one soon. What a window!
Ben Yedder 32m