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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.

Still think it’s a shame he hasn’t stayed on reading that, sounds like he’s supportive but challenging, which every boss should be, clearly rattled some close to Howe, but so what they’re all meant to be professionals, take it on the chin instead of leaking shit to the press. Shame he didn’t wait and see who the new CEO was going to be, feels a little bit like he’s used Eales departure as an excuse and history says he doesn’t remain in one place very long. Whole situation very disappointing for me.

Today’s the day we should know if Villa have gone down the ‘sell your women’s team to yourself’ route. They don’t sell anyone today, and it looks pretty likely that’s what they’ve done.

Thanks man, go and have a great season. Lets collectively take 12 pts off Chelsea next season... vile club

Dealing with KSA businesses, especially PIF is tedious as fuck. Recently submitted a RFP response to one of their entities - it took them 8 months of coaching them on what they actually needed for the RFP and then took them 4 months to respond back when they had it in. Indonesia was similar, particularly with entities under the government umbrella. Contrast that with a U.K. private firm I’m dealing with that went from concept to submission/decision in 5 weeks.

Aye like

Wouldn't be a fan of bringing in DCL, I just don't think he's all that good from what I've seen. But, I could be OK with it if the club sees something that I don't but more importantly because he plays like a striker, even a not particularly good one. To explain, before Wood came in, the team shape was all over the place without having someone properly up front. Even though he didn't work for us in terms of goals etc, he was pivotal in terms of changing the team shape allowing goals to come from other areas and in that way pretty critical to our upturn in form. Similarly then, if Isak is out for a while or needs a rest, maybe DCL could fill that role. Like I say, I wouldn't want him personally but if we strengthen elsewhere then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Morning, just popping back to say that I don’t think you should be to sorry to have missed out on this one. I said before that i was happy to see Pedro leave and was hoping he would go to Chelsea not NUFC as I think he is more likely to disappoint and given that Chelsea see us as their (very expensive!) feeder club and they’re just a horrible club with the most ignorant and entitled fans, it’s worked out well. I suspect NUFC will be able to make better use of £60M elsewhere. Best wishes and I hope you have a great season!

he is being let down, massively, again.

You really have no idea about the clubs business though!

We could stick that Santa Claus fella from the dressing room pictures up front and he'd be as much use as DCL. I'd genuinely rather play without a striker and hoy another body on in midfield than have that useless waste of space playing for us.