Aston Villa need to quickly find £58m in player sales or risk breaching Premier League spending rules, but their fate could be in the hands of a striker being pursued by a rival club.
Villa spent big to enjoy a wonderful campaign in 2023-24 and break into next season’s Champions League.
And while their gamble paid off on the pitch, they are counting the cost in terms of terms of their ability to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The PSR (formerly financial fair play, or PSR) system prevents clubs from losing more than £105m over a rolling three year period, with some costs exempt from the calculation.
And the latest analysis shows exactly what Villa need to do avoid a fine or points deduction before the assessment window rolls over on 30th June.
Finance expert: Villa need £58m in player sales to comply with PSR
Aston Villa must make £58m in profit from player sales before 30th June, as per a study by world-renowned football finance blogger Swiss Ramble.
If not, the examples of Nottingham Forest and Everton illustrate thatNassef Sawiris and Wes Edens‘ side are facing a points deduction and/or a fine.
The analyst was, however, eager to emphasise that this was not a concrete figure but rather a projection based on a best guesses about their broadcast, matchday and commercial income in 2023-24.
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Jhon Duran saga means Villa could be waiting on Chelsea to make Serhou Guirassy decision
A large chunk of the £58m could be wiped out by one player sale – and Jhon Duran might be the one to exit in order to make up the shortfall.
The Colombian forward, 20, has been heavily linked with a £40m switch to fellow Premier League side Chelsea, who are themselves beset by FFP issues.
However, German outlet BILD is now reporting that Chelsea have delayed their final decision on Duran while they also consider VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.
The 28-year-old scored 30 goals in the Bundesliga last season, second only to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
If it is a choice between Guirassy and Duran for Chelsea, it is entirely possible that Villa’s PSR compliance hopes would hinge on the outcome of that transfer saga.