The topic of FFP has been in the headlines throughout the majority of the 2023/24 season, and Aston Villa have been repeatedly mentioned.
Villa announced losses of nearly £120million during the 2023 trading period, which is believed to be the highest in Europe.
The club’s all-time loss of £591 million puts them third in the biggest loss-makers in Premier League history.
Considering the topic of profit and sustainability, which has been a buzzword this season, the Villa Park faithful are right to be concerned.
Everton were the first club to be hit by a Premier League charge, with the Merseyside club initially docked ten points. Four have since been returned, but it still doesn’t detract from an unprecedented situation.
Nottingham Forest are the latest club to be docked points, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now in the bottom three.
Considering Villa’s losses, there has been talk of the West Midland club eventually coming under Premier League scrutiny.
The Athletic revealed in January that, with the Jack Grealish instalments ending, the club could be forced to sell one of its star players; Douglas Luiz, of course, is the prime candidate.
The 24-year-old has been Villa’s standout midfielder this season and has reportedly caught the eye of Arsenal over recent years.
Luiz, who has been lauded as “fantastic” this season, would be a massive loss to Unai Emery and his long-term vision for the club.
Selling the Brazilian would undoubtedly go a long way to easing FFP concerns. However, Villa may have already started to navigate a way around the issue.
Aston Villa Thursday news to surely ease FFP concern
On Thursday, 21 March, The Telegraph reported that Greek online betting firm Betano would be the front-of-shirt sponsor for the next two seasons.
It is believed that £20million per season will be thrashed out, giving the club £40million in much-needed commercial revenue.
Birmingham Live suggests the club must drive commercial revenue over the coming years, given the need to comply with financial rules.
Hopefully, this deal and further commercial agreements can prevent the need for player sales heading into the summer window. Qualification to the Champions League would also come as a considerable boost.
Talking exclusively to Aston Villa News, football finance expert Dan Plumley said: “Getting into the Champions League is worth £50million to an English club if you get into the group stage directly.
“That’s because the Premier League’s coefficient is so strong, and the market pull for broadcasting is so strongly aligned to English football.”
The post Aston Villa could now keep 'fantastic' midfielder after FFP concerns eased on Thursday - opinion appeared first on Aston Villa News.