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Aston Villa are one of only two Premier League clubs, along with Fulham, not to have signed or sold a first-team player so far this summer.
Villa are widely considered to be the top-flight side most at risk of breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
Clubs are only allowed a combined loss of more than £105m over three seasons, and Villa reported losses of £85.4m for 2023-24 and £119.6m for 2022-23. Their current financial year ends on 30 June.
The combination of PSR concerns and missing out on Champions League qualification means Villa will need to be shrewd in the transfer market.
It remains to be seen whether they need to make a big-money sale over the coming days or if the club has found another way of staying within the PSR limits – they are reportedly considering selling their women’s team, a ploy used by Chelsea in April.
Regardless, Villa’s squad may need significant reshaping this summer.
A right winger and right-back are believed to be priority signings, while the squad is light in central defence and up front. Ollie Watkins could be available for the right price, loanees Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi have returned to their parent clubs and Leon Bailey and Emi Martinez are both expected to leave.
