Creative deals required to plug the 'big cup' gap

AFTER failing to qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa may need to explore creative solutions to raise revenue.

- JOHN TOWNLEY

Last summer, Villa were forced to sell assets to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), as well as UEFA’s squad cost regulations.

Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby were the headline sales, while Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley were brought into the first team. Jaden Philogene also joined before being sold to Ipswich Town in January.

Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin, who joined from Juventus and Everton respectively, all embarked on loan moves.

After selling Philogene in January, Villa also transferred Diego Carlos permanently to Fenerbahce, before Jhon Duran completed a £65million move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.