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”.
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
BREAKING NEWS
Aston Villa have announced that John McGinn has signed a new five-year contract with the club.
Villa CEO Christian Purslow said: “We are delighted to secure John’s services for the long term at Aston Villa.
“He is the type of player Dean Smith and our ownership group want to build our Club around: young, determined, athletic, technically-gifted and passionate about winning.”
McGinn added: “I have loved every minute of my time at Aston Villa and I am delighted to commit myself to the Club for the long term.”
I think thats one of the best signings this summer yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well the idea that our club is going places has just been given the stamp of approval by Super John himself!
Great, great news.
Been sitting with Villa fans on ship and boy are they excited in getting home Saturday to see the game. I lay a bet we will be the first off Saturday. Been proudly wearing the new shirt, at £80 getting my money worth. Been able to keep up with the news as sky in sports bar and cabin. At sea for two days home soon and back on forum after the game.
Badger. In moderation. Bill.
Hi Bill – hope you had a good cruise mate – welcome home. I would love to watch Saturday’s game but will be travelling back from London (might be able to join in a few beers with Villa fans before the game). Will try and get the match on SkyGo on the train but not confident.
I really don’t understand Spurs. They might be losing Erikson and they’re going for three players – Sessegnon, Dybala and Lo Celso.
Both Sessegnon and Dybala have not played regularly for their teams. I watched Fulham play quite a few games last season and Sessegnon always seemed to be coming on in the 70th minute when the team was already behind. If he’s that good why didn’t he play the whole game? The same can be said of Dybala another super-sub who’s being ditched by Juve because he’s been poor. Lo Celso is a decent player but he’s not worth £55 million.
Anyway the good news for Villa is it’s unlikely that any of these will play Saturday because, as usual, Spurs are leaving it to the very last minute. Hopefully Erikson will either be wearing the white of Real Madrid or he’ll be totally pissed at not getting the move he’s been after for quite some time.
Fancy us even more on Saturday now.
According to the Guardian the deal with Dybala is off.
Is Erikson going to be pissed or what?
Dean Smith has just said that the transfer window is closed for Villa, no more incomings for us then. No doubt it’s been a great window but I would’ve liked to have seen another striker, especially Maupay, can’t believe that we let Brighton beat us to him, that’s if we were ever in for him in the first place.
according to the BBC – “Aston Villa and Birkir Bjarnason have mutually agreed to the termination of his contract.
The Icelandic international made 54 appearances and scored six goals after joining from FC Basel in January 2017”
Thanks Thor
.
OK, the dust has settled and we’re in the calm before the storm.
Dean Smith has stated he’s happy with his squad and, it would be parsimonious to criticise our activity in the transfer window BUT …….
Statistics – love them or loathe them we’ve inherited the American fascination with them – and the one that concerns me is that we’ve lost 44% of our goal scorers from last season – which is one of the highest in the Prem (Newcastle at 62% tops the lot).
Wesley is not a prolific goal scorer but has good stats on hold up play and setting up other players.
Hogan has gone so our back up at CF is Kodjia and Davis.
I hope I’m wrong but this may be our Achilles heel requiring further substantial investment in January which is always expensive and risky.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
I’m seriously concerned.
I’ll expand tomorrow, with a transfer sum up and preview.
Also concerned – concerned that we let Green go without a replacement even though he wasn’t setting the world alight, I thought he’d get some game time and be a good sub.
I was also concerned we didn’t bring in a replacement for Hogan, or rather an improvement on him. At this point, I kinda feel like we might see Sturridge on a short-term contract. I’m not 100% against it but I think all the other investment could be undone in the absence of a really solid strike force (which I think we’ve taken the biggest risks over). Quite why we spent money on 5 centre backs and didn’t reserve money for another even cheaper young prospect like the Leipzig French guy, I don’t know.
I think before we get critical let’s see exactly what team Dean puts out and how they play. Just had a quick look at the Wolves top scorers last season and, although Jimenez at CF was their top scorer, big contributions were made by a winger, a full back and two mid-fielders.
I see the same hopefully happening with the Villa. Before we cry doom and gloom let’s see how Dean sets the team up and where the goals come from.
I’ve got a feeling that we might all be pleasantly surprised.
Not in doom and gloom mode Pat and I accept that we have goal scorers all around the pitch. If we create good chances then Kodjia playing a traditional cf role may well be able to knock in 15 goals or so. I guess that’s Smith’s thinking.
Yes Pat we could be surprised. Thought I read when Dean took over that he liked to spread things all around the team…lets hope all the team manage to score a few each….especially the defenders at free kicks and corners.
I think it’s interesting to compare the signings of the three promoted clubs. They are –
VILLA (13 players) – Tyrone Mings Bournemouth, £26.5m; Wesley Moraes Club Brugge, £22m; Douglas Luiz Manchester City, £15m; Matt Targett Southampton, £14m; Ezri Konsa Brentford, £12m; Marvelous Nakamba Club Brugge, £11m; Björn Engels Reims, £9m; Trezeguet Kasimpasa, £8.8m; Tom Heaton Burnley, £8m; Anwar El Ghazi Lille, £8m; Frédéric Guilbert Caen, £5m; Jota Birmingham, £4m; Kortney Hause Wolves, £3m.
NORWICH (11 players) – Sam Byram West Ham, £750k; Aidan Fitzpatrick Patrick Thistle, £350k; Patrick Roberts Manchester City, loan; Daniel Adshead Rochdale, undiscl;Josip Drmic Borussia Mönchengladbach, free; Archie Mair Abderden, undiscl; Rob Nizet Anderlecht, undiscl; Rocky Bushiri Oostende, undiscl; Ralf Fährmann Schalke, loan; Charlie Gilmour Arsenal, free; Ibrahim Amadou Sevilla, loan.
SHEFFIELD UTD (10 players) – Oli McBurnie Swansea, £18m; Lys Mousset Bournemouth, £10m; Callum Robinson Preston, £8m; Luke Freeman QPR, 5m; Ben Osborn Nottm Forest £3.5m; Phil Jagielka Everton, free; Ravel Morrison free; Michael Verrips Mechelen, free; Dean Henderson Manchester United, loan; Mo Besic Everton, loan.
So they’ve all got ten or more new players in but the striking difference is that Villa have no loanees or frees and, being honest, I wouldn’t swap one of ours for any of theirs.
It’s interesting how the media have focused on Villa making 12 signings suggesting we’re doing a Fulham whilst completely overlooking the number of signings made by Norwich / Sheffield – going further to suggest they have retained the core of the promoted teams whilst we have not.
In reality the media have simply jumped on the amount we’ve spent and spun a story around it!
So what’s new?
Happy Saturday.