So those of you who have been reading/contributing or whatever for a while will know that I’m not a fan of speculation because 95% of it is typically absolutely rubbish. But at the same time, I know some of you love it and given that I’ve just realised I haven’t written anything for over a fortnight and tomorrow is the start of the transfer window, it seems a good time to start this thread.
As per usual, we’re selling most of the team and buying a whole new premier league for our squad. Hmm.
It does seem though, that if you try and read in between the lines a couple of possible moves might prove to be reality. First is Douglas Luiz to leave at £50 million or whatever. While this is miles lower than the £80-100 million that has been talked about I think this might be a good deal for us.
I haven’t previously wanted him to go, but I now have a sneaky feeling that his agent and him have been trying to engineer a move. I know some have said his form dropped in the last couple of months, but I think it’s more than that. I think there’s been something very strange in his attitude and it was demonstrated by his sudden terrible disciplinary record. I’m going to go so far as to say that was some small form of a protest and demonstrative that he quite simply wants out.
I don’t think it’s a money thing. He wants a new challenge and his agent thinks Juventus is the place. Good. If you want to go that much, clear off. With my blessing. The club is bigger than you. I can’t say I’m particularly interested in Winston McKennie and the other lad coming our way, but we do need numbers in.
Second, is Jhon Duran to Chelsea for £50 million. That’s frankly laughable and half of that would be a good deal. I’m convinced the lad has a serious attitude problem, as much as I believe he actually has a somewhat valid reason for having it. The fact is Emery doesn’t yet deem him to be good enough to outdo Watkins and it’s as simple as that. And if he doesn’t have the patience to listen to the manager he can go. Particularly if he’s giving the manager a problem, which I think he is.
Having had another glance at the news, it appears Chelsea have agreed a £42 million fee. I’m inclined to think he could be a bargain signing for them, but if it isn’t working for him at the Villa, that’s a lovely amount of money in the pot to stave off this PSR rubbish.
Then, there’s Matty Cash. We’ve apparently slapped a £30 million price on his head. Where do these stories come from? I’d take half that if we have a replacement lined up.
And finally (although I’m sure there’s plenty of other stories) there’s Diegos Carlos, who cost us a fortune, given his age. I liked the look of him early on, but wouldn’t miss him now. That said, we need better defenders and I’m not convinced Mings is ever going to get back to where he was. Maybe we might do better keeping Carlos as a back up? No doubt he’s on big wages though, so I’ll trust the club’s judgement on that one.
Anyway, this is just a starting point. I’m sure many of you will be more interested in the speculation and chat about other rumours.
Me, I’m only interested in deals inked, whether in or out.
All that I can remember of previous Walsall games is them being somewhat messy, unorganised and frustrating to watch. However, this time all 22 players seemed to play to a system and to more or less know what they were doing.
Rogers was very sharp and Berkley looked comfortable and, on the wings, Iling Jr and Young were good but one player stood out for me.
Yes, I know it’s just the first friendly and you can’t really take too much away from it but I really liked the look of Enzo Barrenechea. I actually saw him play for Frosinone in a Serie A relegation scrap last season and he must have made an impression as I remember looking him up on Wikipedia at the time.
Playing in central midfield I don’t think that he missed a pass. His vision was good and he seemed to find it easy to pick out his team mates including some splendid long diagonals to both wingers. I’m going to keep a close eye on him in the next friendlies but I’ve got a feeling that we might just have gotten ourselves a real bargain.
Confirmed Jadon Philogene re- signs for Villa for £18m, although Villa will only pay Hull £13.5m due to a 30% sell on clause when Hull acquired him.
I still think we were right to buy him back – I read somewhere that Emery didn’t want to sell him but couldn’t guarantee game time; add on PSR concerns and I suppose it’s understandable.
Anyway, I’m pleased as I didn’t want him sold in the first place. I think he’s got what it takes to become a really good player.
I think it’s smart business Hitch. It’s only a matter of time before Diaby’s departure is announced and Philogene can definitely fill his role. Will Duran be the next one out the door? Could Ramsey be off to Spurs? Those rumours are still going on and Ramsey didn’t play against Walsall.
We are still a few players short in terms of experience at the highest level if we are to compete against the best.
It’s been reported that Villa have made a bid of £25m for Kulusvesky (sic) from Spurs.
Be happy if that’s the case!
Would you take Lo Celso and Kulusvesky for Ramsey – plus cash as well!
Reports that a deal is close for Ramsey to be swapped for Lo Celso plus £19m. I can’t understand any reason for this to happen. A player we get who has been in decline for a few years now. £19m won’t buy anyone to match Ramsey at his best. I would be VERY disappointed if true. Also I thought selling Luiz was the only sale needed to meet PSR / FFP. If Diaby and Duran go, that’s nearly £100m. Are we still labelled with being a selling club for the big boys?
No – I don’t think so (us being a selling club) – neither do I think that the Ramsey / Lo Celso deal is a given!
Whilst PSR has undoubtedly been an influence in our dealings in the transfer market, I believe Emery has a clear strategy in reshaping the squad to best cope with the challenges of another top 4 (6) challenge plus the Champions League.
If we sold Luiz to meet the PSR requirements I would like to think it’s because Emery didn’t see him as a major player next season. Interestingly we played some of our best football when he was suspended.
Time will tell!
Don’t forget that Lo Celso played for Emery for a while at Villareal before he got injured. Emery would know exactly what he getting
“Interestingly we played some of our best football when he was suspended.”
I seriously suspect that this is what it’s all about.
Add in that Luiz wanted the move.
“Emery the objective” is doing what he does.
He plays the stats, without fear or favour. And it’s working.
Hence who are we to argue?
There was a lot of noise about Luiz leaving last season and we would have struggled without him. However, I’ve heard that the Juve deal was being negotiated well over a year ago so it might well be that Luiz did us a favour by staying for another season while knowing he would eventually get the move he wanted (also note that his girlfriend, Alisha Lehmann, has also made the move to Juve which also makes me think that the move was cut and dried ages ago).
If this is the case then we should thank him for sticking around.
TBH even with the players we currently have, I don’t think we’ll miss him.
Interesting points 1874.
I see Onana as the replacement for Luiz as a box to box but principally a defensive midfielder. He adds height and strength to, what is, quite a ‘small’ midfield and, importantly, is good in the air where we really struggled without Mings last season.
It seems Mings is unlikely to be fit enough for the start of the season and I don’t see him as being first choice in defence with Torres / Konsa likely to be the preferred centre back pairing.
We currently have three left backs with Maatsen likely to start. Although I really like Digne, I could see him leaving (high earner?) as we, pragmatically, have to sell (or loan out) either Digne or Moreno. I’m quite surprised that the rumour creators seem to have missed out there 🙂
Could you see either player, instead of leaving, be pushed forward to keft midfield?
Left midfield…
Interesting thought Bum Bum.
Emery, reportedly, likes to play a second fullback but in a wing back position. It’s a possibility – Moreno’s quick but Digne is the better crosser.
We also need a new dead ball specialist now Luiz has departed – something that Digne does well.
Time will tell I guess.
According to some site calling itself “villa news” according to Alan Hutton ( aka the oracle) Ollie’s off to Chelsea?
But that begs the question – just why would you?
Yea, Real Madrid and the likes maybe but Chelsea FFS?
Do behave.
Absolutely RSS.
Why would you indeed? He’s an Arsenal fan anyway, isn’t he? In which case I definitely couldn’t see him going there.
It’s why I can’t be doing with this speculation rubbish. It’s mostly an insult to the intelligence.
Spot on Badger, simply click bait but at least have something within the realms of possibility.
Anyone watching the friendly?
Roger’s looks on fire and he and Barkley seem to be on the same wavelength.
That could be a very productive partnership this season 🤞
God, now we have Torres to Inter for £50 mill. Next year.
Arrrggghhh!
The journo’s have to earn the advertising revenue somehow!
The issue here is that the media in general can’t get it through their thick heads that Villa, with their owners, are now on a completely different level.
Having sorted the idiotic and nonsensical PSR, if we now decide to sell it’s because Emery / Monchi have already identified a better player to come in. Like Luiz / Onana (did Manure really try and hijack that deal with Onana telling them to ‘do one’).
I can’t see Emery agreeing to sell Torres unless someone offers stupid money – which £50m is not.
At this rate we could sell our entire squad, divide the proceeds between all Villa fans and retire early filthy rich with the sums being bandied around…
It sort of reminds me of ‘Runaround’ in the 70’s.
Positive news from Fabrizio Romano that the swap deal between Lo Celso is NOT true. He has confirmed that Diaby is on his way for €60m plus add on’s. A player not wanting to fight for his place to be playing Champions League football at 25 years old is one better without if money is more important to him. We need players who are fully committed to succeed.
I see the click bait machine has cast around for some other Villa players to sell.
After Watkins, Ramsey and Diaby (the latter probably accurate) they have now put Digne and Cash up for sale.
Advertising revenue must be falling 🙂
On the incoming front it seems there maybe more than just speculation over Villa’s interest in Felix to replace Diaby and Sky have linked us to Todibo, French International centre back. That might have some legs if we’re looking to replace Carlos.
Anyway, ignoring the rumours, it still seems that Emery / Monchi are extensively reshaping the squad.
This is more your field of expertise Hitch but isn’t villa wage to revenue off the chart?
I believe Felix is on around £115000 per week and given the above, how likely is we’ll see him at Villa Park?
You’re right RSS; reported at around 90% of revenue although this should reduce this coming season because (a) we should earn considerably more revenue driven by Champions League and Heck and (b) if we can get a couple of high earners off the books – Coutinho (out on loan), Digne and Carlos for instance. Not sure what Diaby’s wages are like but they will contribute to Felix coming in – if it happens!
If you’re interested here’s a shortish article which is relevant in terms of wages and spending for the coming season
https://www.sportindustry.biz/news-categories/news/premier-league-clubs-financial-rules-psr-scr-tba-regulations/#:~:text=Under%20UEFA's%20new%20rules%2C%20clubs,the%20following%20campaign%20and%20onwards.
Cheers Hitch, I’ll have a butchers at that.
New kit out tomorrow yippee hope it’s a good one
Everton fans I know are gutted they are losing him and saying super Villa will get the best out of him
Onana
Why are we constantly being linked with Joao Felix?
Is agent pushing for a move for his client?
The guy flatters to deceive (imo), rarely delivers and is on top dollar to boot.
(his)
Probably as Athletico keep trying to shove him through the exit door! 🙂
Would Emery get the best out of him. I read Villa are trying to structure (another) loan deal but Athletico want a straight sale.
Coutinho Mark 2 ?
Diaby to Saudi and Villa interested in Felix reported in the Guardian so it might have some traction –
https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/22/aston-villa-joao-felix-target-atletico-madrid-moussa-diaby-sale-al-ittihad
Felix was sensational at Benfica, so sensational that Atletico paid £113 million for him. However, Simeone’s park the bus style didn’t seem to suit him and he began to look a little lost. Loaned out to Barcelona and he still looked lost but that isn’t uncommon, so did players like Greizmann, Fabregas, Icardi, Ibrahimovic etc when they were there. At Barca it’s not enough to be a good player, you have to play in a certain style and, anyway, the club was going through a bad patch at the time so it’s hard to judge.
If Emery wants him, it will be because he thinks he can get a tune out of him. After all he’s only 24 and, if we get him for say £40 million, we might end up with a world class player who might once again be in the £100 million bracket.
I’m all for it.
Mate, Steven Ireland had a season in the sun at Man City.
Class being permanent and form temporary and all that.
Steven Ireland! F*** me. (shakes head ruefully).
BFR, perhaps that could have been better worded.
“EVEN” Steven Ireland had…
Thanks for the link 1874 – interesting read – I can believe that Emery / Monchi would be interested in Felix.
It seems pretty certain that Villa would prefer to sell Duran as well and use the monies raised to buy a top forward such as Felix and maybe someone like Kulusvesky to bring known quality and experience to the squad for a relatively small fee.
I think I’m right in saying the Emery is not a ‘fan’ of the loan system but, with a busy season ahead, I wouldn’t bet against bringing in a player on loan to further bolster the squad.
I’m liking what I’m reading.
Hitch with good financial insight and 1874 with a good appreciation of Spanish footy, which is very useful, given our management team.
Good stuff 🙂
https://shop.avfc.co.uk/en/aston-villa-adidas-home-authentic-shirt-2024-25/p-794445981703095434+z-8-70060799?_ref=p-SFLP:m-GRID:i-r0c0:po-0
£110?
A bit steep.
The ‘dad-bod’ version is 80. I can live with that.
Didn’t realise there were options available as in the ‘Authentic’ & ‘Dad Bod’ version 😂
I’d plump for the latter too, not being the finely tuned athlete of yesteryear (yeah, right).
Guys, I’m Portugal at the minute and ALL the talk in the press here is Felix going to Villa…
Where would that leave Buendia? Felix for CL and Emi for the PL while Felix acclimatises to the demands?
It leaves us with….Options!!!
…You’re right. That ‘Villa News’ site is abysmal!!!!!! Talk about clickbait rubbish.
This is just the dogs b*****x 😁
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ6HNa4dPgQ
You’re not wrong there, that was the best one yet. Whoever is doing their promos these days really knows what they’re doing.
Surely Tom Hanks and the future king should have made the cut?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13661175/Aston-Villa-Greatest-Player-John-Devey-Andy-Gray-Jack-Grealish.html
OMG! Are the press actually affording us respect??
Anyone should be on that list who isn’t?
Brian Little?
Dennis Mortimer?
Gareth Barry?
Tony Morley?
Steven Ireland. 🙂
Boško Balaban?
😂🤣
Bum Bum, RSS – behave 🙂
Tony Daley? Underrated? I recall him absolutely terrorisng Walter Zenga and his Inter defence at VP in in the autumn of 1990. And some of his goals – any Brazilian would have been proud to have scored them. The quality of his goals and assists was up there with Merson, in my opinion – just a different style. And a local lad. He was one of my favourites, growing up. Never got back to his best after the knee injury in 1992.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCxcXRv1HQo
Great commentary from Greavsie and the brilliant Brian Moore. And this kit is one of the best!
What a question that is.
I’ve seen so many great Villa players over the years, all highly regarded by me personally for many different reasons.
Charlie Aitken, for his longevity and utter reliability and consistency.
Andy Gray, fearless.
Sid, fantastically gifted and what a player all round. Likewise Merse, but he wasn’t here for so long.
Carrodus for his pure hard work.
Tony Morley, fantastic to watch.
Brian, say no more. Likewise the good Lord McGrath.
Then you have your classics, in Devey, Walker, Houghton etc, but I never saw them.
And lots of others who I can’t immediately think of.
Even so, I voted for Pongo.
I get that scoring goals was a lot easier when you play a 2-1-7 or whatever, but even so, nearly a goal a game for 7 years?
Just phenomenal, imo.
I voted for ooh aah Paul McGrath. Incredible player who despite dodgy knees, was still able to dominate any striker he faced. His reading of the game was second to none and he could have played in any Villa team throughout our history. I don’t get the Grealish thing. Great player yes but he wasn’t a patch on Merson IMO. Also players like Brian Little who was outstanding on muddy pitches against defenders who were allowed to kick you into the stands.
On a positive note, I was impressed with the video advertising the new shirt. Getting Ozzy involved was genius. I do like the shirt but £80 for the basic and £110 for the premium!! Wow!!
On the Felix latest click bait we are hearing we aren’t interested which for me is a relief because like someone has already said, he would probably be Coutinho V2. Also according to Fabrizio Romano, the Ramsey to Spurs is true when the other day, the same source said untrue. Apparently though it’s early stages so a long way from happening. Let’s make sure Unai has already packed him into his suitcase ready for the States.
I couldn’t disagree Holte, I loved him as a player.
That’s the trouble, isn’t it? I struggle to find a single one best ever.
Noone is the complete all-rounder in footy and it depends how you’re looking at things.
To give a more reflective answer, it ought to be narrowed down, imo.
IE best striker, best goalie, best defender, best mid etc.