(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Sat 16 August 2025 19:24, UK

Aston Villa are about to forfeit any kind of asking price for one unwanted first-team player to leave the club in order to balance the books.

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After a free-scoring pre-season, Unai Emery’s side underwhelmed as Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Newcastle in a stalemate.

The big talking point of the tie was when Ezri Konsa pulled down Anthony Gordon who was through on goal, resulting in a red card.

The attack was extremely disjointed, suggesting the Villains must dip into the market to find some more midfielders capable of supplying that final pass for Ollie Watkins as the striker was starved of service this afternoon (16 August).

However, in order to secure those funds, players who are surplus to requirement must be moved on before they can raise the capital to reinvest.

According to a report by The Athletic (16 August), the Belgian is close to joining Spanish side Real Oviedo on a permanent deal.

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Due to PSR issues, there will be “no transfer fee” as the former Wolves midfielder is free to go despite having one-year left on his contract.

Leander Dendoncker’s departure would “free up the squad’s wage ball”, allowing them to comply with UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules (SCR).

The Midlands club needs to move on their unwanted stars such as the Belgian to “sanction” new incomings.

Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Football Insider verdict

Of note in the frustrating draw with Newcastle was the complete incapability of Villa’s midfielders to progress the ball.

Normally, the likes of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and John McGinn would find Watkins with ease but in their Premier League opener, the creativity was severely lacking.

Emery has already strengthened with the signing of Evann Guessand from Nice to support the England international up top, along with Marco Bizot providing more than capable back-up to Emi Martinez – if he doesn’t leave.

Aston Villa IncomingsEvann GuessandMarco BizotZepiqueno RedmonYasin Ozcan(Source: Sofascore)

Yet, it is imperative the Villains bring in another attacking-midfielder to add to the low levels of creativity before the transfer window shuts.

Rumours of a cut-price deal for Marco Asensio wane on, but the Spanish manager needs a midfield maestro now to connect the attack.

No creative magician in the remainder of the summer transfer window could lead to Villa falling down the table, especially considering the creative options their fiercest rivals wield.

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