Major Man United summer transfer exit could pave Aston Villa’s way to land £42m elite La Liga winger
Aston Villa have the opportunity to sign some players this summer. Unai Emery may look to add more quality to his squad over the coming months. The Midlands outfit will be looking to mount another push for Champions League football.
They missed out on the top five in the last campaign which was disappointing. That means that they will be competing in the Europa League instead. Manchester United beat them 2-0 at Old Trafford on the final day.
Aston Villa eye Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez
According to Spanish news outlet ED, Aston Villa are interested in Real Betis ace Jesus Rodriguez. The player has a release clause in the region of €50m (£42m) and is believed to be a wanted man. The report adds that his current team need to raise funds as they look to try and sign Antony from United on a permanent basis.
Rodriguez, 19, could be seen by Villa as someone to boost their attacking ranks. If he made the switch to Villa Park, he would give them more competition and depth going forward. In addition, his young age means he has plenty of potential to get better down the line.
The Spain youth international has risen up through Betis’ academy and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He initially broke into their B team and became an important player before making the step up into the senior picture. The Seville-born man has now made 31 first-team appearances in all competitions and has scored three goals.
What now for Aston Villa target Jesus Rodriguez at Real Betis?
It would be a shame for Betis to lose Rodriguez, especially after his impressive development over recent times. However, if his price tag is matched, there is nothing they can do. He could prove to be a shrewd addition in the long run for Aston Villa if they can get it done.
Antony has been a hit on loan with the La Liga club since his January move from United. Betis are understood to be interested in landing him on a full-time basis but need more money. That means they may well be forced to cash in on Rodriguez.
Emery was disappointed to see Villa fall short in their pursuit of Champions League football last month. After their defeat against United, he said: “Today, we lost the opportunity, but we didn’t deserve more. We started the match today, poor in our performances, collectively and individually.
“It was the key moment for the sending off of Emiliano Martínez and, of course, after it, we needed to be resilient, we needed to defend, we needed to defend low block, goalkeeper, and believe in our moment to get some attacking actions, or some corners.
“We scored one goal, and normally this goal, if the referee was under his control, this moment, to wait before to whistle this action, I think it was a goal, after VAR. We watched on the TV. But we are making mistakes, the players, they are making mistakes and the referees, sometimes they are making mistakes. We have to accept it. We lost and we didn’t deserve more.”
Aston Villa receive PSR boost as Premier League lose battle to close loophole
Aston Villa have been financially hamstrung by PSR but a loophole which has been exploited by Chelsea won’t be closing
Aston Villa have been handed a potential boost in their battle to remain within the well documented Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after a proposal to close a loophole which has been exploited by Chelsea wasn’t even voted on at the Premier League’s AGM this week.
The Times reports that the meeting, where the 20 competing clubs were represented, was due to cover the subject of a loophole which came to light after Chelsea sold their own women’s team and hotel nearby Stamford Bridge to a sister company. Some clubs had raised concerns and requested a vote.
The proposal needed a majority of 14 clubs to vote against the loophole in order for it to be ruled out, but there wasn’t enough support and, as a result, it didn’t even reach a vote. It means that any Premier League team, including Villa, can now use those specific means which Chelsea have done to comply with the debated financial rules.
PSR will be in place again next season, but further changes to the financial rules, which were brought in to help secure the long-term futures of its competing clubs, and how clubs operate within them are expected in seasons to come.
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