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Major Departures Reshape Villa’s Wage Bill
Aston Villa has made significant changes to their squad this summer, resulting in a remarkable £23 million cut to their annual wage bill. The club’s strategy to streamline costs comes after several high-profile players departed, creating a fresh landscape at Villa Park.
Key Player Exits: Who’s Gone?
Among the notable exits, Calum Chambers made a free transfer to Cardiff City, despite having a year left on his contract. The club also saw the likes of Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz, Cameron Archer, Tim Iroegbunam, Morgan Sanson, and Viljami Sinisalo leave during the summer transfer window, collectively generating over £140 million in transfer fees.
Loans and Returns: A Mixed Bag
Several players were sent out on loan, including Alex Moreno, Philippe Coutinho, and Leander Dendoncker. Meanwhile, Clement Lenglet and Nicolo Zaniolo returned to their parent clubs after Villa opted not to make their transfers permanent. Notably, Lenglet was the highest earner among the departing players, earning £150,000 a week before his exit.
Wage Breakdown: Who Was Earning What?
The wage structure at Villa Park saw significant adjustments with the departures. Moussa Diaby, who recently transferred to Al-Ittihad for £50 million, was on £130,000 per week, while Coutinho’s loan back to Vasco da Gama saw him leave behind a £125,000-a-week contract. Dendoncker, prior to his loan to Anderlecht, earned £90,000, and Luiz was on £75,000 before his move to Juventus.
Other players like Zaniolo and Chambers had contracts worth £60,000 and £50,000 per week, respectively. Meanwhile, Iroegbunam and Sinisalo were on relatively modest wages, earning less than £5,000 each.
New Signings: Strengthening the Squad
Despite the wage cuts, manager Unai Emery was active in the transfer market, bringing in eight new signings and spending over £150 million. Among the new arrivals, Amadou Onana stands out with a hefty £140,000-a-week deal following his £50 million transfer from Everton. Ian Maatsen also joined the ranks, earning £100,000 weekly.
Other additions, such as Ross Barkley and Jaden Philogene, have contracts ranging between £40,000 and £50,000 per week. Notably, the club has ensured that new signings Lewis Dobbin, Iling-Junior, and Barrenechea have been sent out on loan, preventing any additional strain on Villa’s wage bill for the upcoming season.
Financial Impact: A Positive Shift
Overall, the summer changes have resulted in a net saving of around £22.9 million in wages, despite the new signings adding £17.2 million to the payroll. This strategic financial management positions Aston Villa for a more sustainable future as they aim to compete at the highest levels.
Current Standing: Aiming for European Glory
As of now, Aston Villa sits ninth in the Premier League table, experiencing a slight dip in form. However, the team remains on track to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds, following a promising start to the revamped league phase. With a mix of seasoned talent and fresh faces, Villa is poised for an exciting season ahead.
Future Prospects: Duran’s Potential Exit
In other news, there are speculations surrounding Jhon Duran’s future at Aston Villa, with reports suggesting he could leave for a substantial fee. As the club continues to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, fans will be eager to see how the squad evolves in the coming months.
