Aston Villa and Rivals Eye Vital Windfall After Chelsea Move
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Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs that are “absolutely likely” to look to make a major sale to themselves, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley explained that with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) being such a key factor, he expected other teams to follow Chelsea’s lead and sell their women’s team to the same ownership.
Villa missed out on qualifying for the Champions League after failing to beat a beleaguered Man United side on the final day of the season. Despite Newcastle and Nottingham Forest also losing, Unai Emery’s side were unable to capitalise and will participate in the Europa League instead next season. Qualification for the Champions League group stage alone is worth an estimated £100million [BBC Sport], and the Villains are reportedly in danger of failing PSR, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea controversially sold their women’s team to BlueCo, the consortium led by Todd Boehly that owns the West London club. The team was sold for around £198.7m [BBC Sport], helping them turn their previous £90m loss for 2022-23 into a £128m profit for last season [BBC Sport]. This move has sparked concerns that other clubs may follow suit, with Plumley stating that “there’s a high likelihood, yes, and if you look at how that’s played out, the clubs were never going to vote on it, really, because Chelsea have done it.”
Aston Villa Amongst Clubs ‘Likely’ to Sell Women’s Teams
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For a second year in a row, the Premier League looked to close the loophole that allowed Chelsea to avoid a PSR sanction. But whilst it was rejected in a vote by England’s top-flight clubs last year, it did not even go to a vote this year, as “there was not enough support in the room for the proposal”, according to The Times. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Plumley explained why he expects other Premier League teams, including Villa, to look to exploit the same loophole.
He said: “I think you’re likely to see other clubs try and do that, we’ve already heard noises that Aston Villa have been looking at it, that’s been fairly well publicised in the media as well. It’s likely that clubs look to do that for sure, because in a world of PSR and it seems to be all we seem to talk about now, particularly around transfer windows, it’s a way to navigate some of that.”
Arsenal Looking to Capitalise on Aston Villa’s PSR Nightmare
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Mick Brown told Football Insider exclusively that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Morgan Rogers this summer. With Villa potentially needing a quick cash boost to avoid a PSR sanction, the club may be forced to cash in on one of their star assets. The 22-year-old has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s most talented players and has made four appearances for England. However, Football Insider revealed in May that despite their precarious financial position, Villa are keen to keep hold of Rogers.
As the Premier League continues to navigate the complexities of PSR, it remains to be seen how many clubs will follow Chelsea’s lead and sell their women’s teams to themselves. However, with experts like Plumley predicting a high likelihood of this occurring, it is clear that this is a trend that will continue to be closely monitored by fans and finance experts alike.
The Implications of PSR on Premier League Clubs
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The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules are designed to ensure that clubs operate within their means and do not overspend on player wages and transfers. However, with the increasing costs of competing in the top flight, many clubs are finding it difficult to balance their books. The sale of Chelsea’s women’s team to themselves has highlighted a loophole in the rules that allows clubs to circumvent PSR sanctions.
As Football Insider has reported, this move has sparked concerns that other clubs may follow suit. With Aston Villa and other clubs potentially needing to make major sales to avoid PSR sanctions, the coming months are likely to be crucial for the financial health of many Premier League clubs.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, the sale of Chelsea’s women’s team to themselves has highlighted a loophole in the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules that may be exploited by other clubs. With Aston Villa and other clubs potentially needing to make major sales to avoid PSR sanctions, the coming months are likely to be crucial for the financial health of many Premier League clubs. As Football Insider continues to monitor this developing story, one thing is clear: the Premier League’s top clubs will stop at nothing to ensure their financial stability and competitiveness.
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