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there were strong rumours we were selling someone. Gordon, etc

It's coping really. We wanted him, Howe would have improved him, he would have fit in nicely in a 4231 or as a direct Isak rotation option. For me it's just about sitting with how much I loathe Chelsea. They don't need him and their fans aren't that enthusiastic about the signing, and it stinks of 'we don't really want him but you can't have him' - but what pisses me off more than anything is players continuing to choose them. Yes the money, yes London, yes the contract etc, but still, awful club and fans.

Were there particularly strong rumours about Anderson and Minteh before we sold them? Can’t really remember tbh, and all the journos now report that it was ‘well known’ we had to sell to meet the deadline, but I don’t really recall there being a sense of panic on here or elsewhere in the days leading up to it?

Nah, think player buy in has a big say in most transfers, sounds like he's got his heart set on this one with terms being agreed months ago.

No one expecting a twist in the tail on this one? I guess of all the rumours this one has always looked the safest bet.

David's move to Juve being held up by his agents asking for a £13 million commission payment.

Highlights why they’ve got most if not all things right though. What bad calls have they ultimately made? Think Man Utd fans would wish their processes were as thorough as ours since their new owner came in and revised things for example.

Still will. Giving their business in Jan, they’re happy to gamble. So will probably gamble hard they can get top 4 (5) and play with fire. Selling women’s team is short term especially when their commercial revenue isn’t massive.

I like the cut of this man's (presumption 😉) jib

The rumour is they would fall foul of PSR if not for the sale. You would assume any sale would give them PSR cover and a bit of financial headroom. Even excluding the loan players - Villa have a deep squad. They might want to trade to fill in a few gaps but I was hoping not qualifying for the CL would make them significantly weaker like it did us.

Isn't this hard to nail down? I mean YAR loves spouting about being number 1, kind of a weird thing to keep repeating if we are just a portfolio company. In terms of these processes they have, I'm assuming these are more investment related than anything else, either way using investment related processes to run a football club sounds bizarre.

If true, they're needs to be more trust put into the people making the decisions at club-level. I assume this is why we've seen things slow down since Amanda and Merdahd left, as co-owners they were probably able to make decisions without going through that chain.

That is the consensus.

You're right imo and (sorry to sound smug) but I’ve said this all along. This doesn't look like the flashy, short-term sportswashing we’ve seen with the Saudi Pro League or Club World Cup. PIF were fully aware of PSR constraints and still went ahead, which suggests a longer-term, strategic investment rather than a vanity project. That said, it still contributes to improving Saudi Arabia’s global image; it’s sportswashing, just in a more subtle and credible form. This is in stark contrast to the in-your-face stuff that’s coming soon with the Saudi World Cup (I’ve talked to a few people involved and as usual they have wildly expensive and ambitious plans for that). Newcastle United clearly matters to PIF but likely as part of a wider global portfolio. It’s just not a top-tier national priority though.

We need a combative CEO don’t think PIF are devoting much time, or thought to this if I’m honest beyond just complying with current rules. Feel this CEO appointment is crucial for future direction.

Selling pieces at a time is a very smart way to do it. If you believe the loophole won't get closed and your not in need of massive money. The ownership of the women's team essentially becomes an overdraft facility (in financial terms).

I don’t even think Villa are breaking PSR? Thought it’s more very close and they can’t make any signings or new contracts to squeeze past. Still will need sales (or sell Women’s team) to enable some spending power this summer, but I don’t think they’re in a situation like we was last summer.

They are trying they can't They used to do things by consensus and they've totally given up on doing things that way, it's just the cartel clubs plus the gravy train riders.

Which I’d prefer personally, as it’s all about growing over time. The Saudi World Cup isn’t till 2034, and PIF probably have an aim for us to be challenging for the major honours in the lead up to that. Which considering that’s 9 years away, is plenty of time giving the trajectory we’re on. Keep Howe, sign the right players, grow revenues and we’ll be there eventually. All about the journey, be more enjoyable and a wholesome experience when we eventually get there.

Be surprised if they were going to sell anyone. There would’ve been stronger rumours by now - no? But aye today will confirm it. Be interesting to know the shape of the sale. There were rumours the women’s team would be sold over 3 years. Might take weeks for that to come out. Assuming nobody will be sold. That would also mean nobody would need to be sold before June 2026 too - at the worst. Overall I’ve been impressed with how Villa have been able to navigate FFP/PSR.

They may as well tear PSR to shreds and start again but it’s still serving a purpose of letting other clubs do what they want while we shit on our hands so it’s got some life in it yet

If it means where not giving them 30 million for Jacob Ramsey they can crack on for me.

They aren't selling anyone, not at this deadline anyways. As I've been saying PSR is severely weakened and it's Chelsea who are responsible. Writings been on the wall since those academy swaps.

Really dont get the idea that Eddie would improve him that much. The thing he has most potential to improve is his shooting, and Eddie hasnt been that successfull in that area looking at our players.. Surely must be other players out there that Eddie can improve much more.