Aston Villa have really backed Unai Emery in the summer transfer window since his arrival last winter.
The Spaniard replaced Steven Gerrard, and has been allowed to make big money signings such as Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres. Villa have also been able to keep hold of Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa, who have both committed their long-term future to the club by signing new long-term deals.
Fans don't usually tend to get the inner workings of any transfer business. Most deals are kept under wraps and the fee is always undisclosed, however various outlets report respective transfer fees, but truly only the club, the player and the representatives know the full deal. Sports Interactive's latest edition of Football Manager however, allows you to take to the hot seat, and manage the club as if you were Unai Emery, or the manager of whatever club you're taking over.
It's got a vast database, and various researchers help contribute towards the game, and despite it being just a game, it has been used as a tool for some real-life managers to use. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits he plays FM, as well as his former Red Devils teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Here, using the 2024 version of Football Manager, we take a look at the interesting payment plans and sell-on clauses inserted into the transfer deals and contracts of these current and former Aston Villa players according to the world’s most popular management simulation.
*We must stress that FM24 is a virtual management game, and may not be a full reflection of real-life events.
1. Nicolo Zaniolo
At the end of the loan period Aston Villa will have the option to purchase Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray for £19.25M. Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
2. Tyreik Wright
50% of his next transfer fee will be owed to Aston Villa Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Image
3. Rory Wilson
Rangers will be due £150K after another 10 league appearances. Rangers will be due £250K after another 25 league appearances. Rangers will be due £150K after another 50 league appearances. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
4. Ollie Watkins
20% of the profit made on his next transfer will be owed to Brentford 20% of the profit made on his next transfer will be owed to Brentford. Brentford are owed another 2 instalments of £4M each September 2023 - £4M September 2024 - £4M Brentford are owed another 2 instalments of £4M each September 2023 - £4M September 2024 - £4M Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)