Aston Villa may be able to save millions in the future if Unai Emery seeks to unleash academy jewel Omari Kellyman next season.
While the good times are rolling at Aston Villa, Unai Emery’s side could face a drop-down to reality in the summer when it comes to finances.
The manager and Monchi will have a job on their hands at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, with an update regarding UEFA’s rulings surrounding the wage-to-revenue ratio ahead of next season causing worry for Villa.
There will be many discussions to be had over the summer as the Midlands club require sales to boost revenue, decisions that could be critical to enable Emery’s side’s progression to continue.
While the looming financial woes present a grey cloud over Villa Park, the squad aren’t experiencing any overcast with the Champions League in their reach with 12 games to go.
With a nod to the finances of Villa, Emery could help to both save the club millions and potentially uncover a treasure chest by giving one academy jewel a chance next season.
How bright of a talent Omari Kellyman is to Aston Villa
Omari Kellyman is one of the brightest talents at Bodymoor Heath.
The 18-year-old joined Villa in 2021 from Derby County at U18 level and has shown his quality both in the academy and on the cusp of the senior squad.
A versatile asset, the 2005-born talent is a vital member of the U21’s side in Villa’s academy, with Emery’s valuation of the youngster clear based on his involvement around the first team.
This term, the Spaniard has handed Kellyman two senior appearances coming in the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League, in which he recorded an assist during the qualifiers.
Since then, the teen has been tearing up the Premier League 2 with the academy, where he has scored five goals in three appearances this campaign.
Why Omari Kellyman could be useful to Aston Villa in the future
Lauded as a “real gem” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Kellyman could be a highly valuable asset to Emery over the next few years, particularly if the Spaniard can hand the Englishman a part to play next term.
Averaging a goal every 48 minutes in the Premier League 2 this season, the forward is showcasing just how lethal he can be, with the benefits he could offer Villa expanding way beyond his on-pitch ability.
As detailed earlier this week, the sale of an academy talent could help to ease Villa’s current FFP worries, with Jacob Ramsey one of the most valuable assets currently at the club.
The sale of Jack Grealish back in 2021 has continued to boost Villa’s revenue due to the £100m profit made, reinforcing the significance of nurturing and unleashing an academy talent.
While Kellyman is still very much in the early stages of his career, unearthing the 18-year-old next season could not only hand Emery a talent on the pitch but open the doors to the Villans creating another top senior player from Bodymoor Heath.
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