The ‘real reason’ why three forwards including Cameron Archer left Aston Villa this summer

Joe Forte
By Joe Forte
Published 12th Sep 2023, 11:14 BST
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Aston Villa sold three academy products during a busy summer transfer window at Villa Park - here’s why

Aston Villa reportedly sold three attacking players this summer due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) reasons.

That’s according to Football Insider, which reports sources told them that the club allowed Cameron Archer, Keinan Davis and Jaden Philogene to leave Villa Park this summer to ‘balance the books’.

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Unai Emery sold Archer to Sheffield United for £18 million, while Philogene joined Championship side Hull City for a fee believed to be in the region of £5 million, with the deal including a buy back option.

Davis also joined Serie A side Udinese permanently this summer.

As all three players came through the youth system at Villa Park, the three sales are considered ‘pure profit’ under FFP rules.

ARCHER TARGET: Sheffield United and Leeds United both wanted to sign Cameron Archer but whereas the Blades were eventually able to find the money, Leeds could not compete with Premier League footballARCHER TARGET: Sheffield United and Leeds United both wanted to sign Cameron Archer but whereas the Blades were eventually able to find the money, Leeds could not compete with Premier League football
ARCHER TARGET: Sheffield United and Leeds United both wanted to sign Cameron Archer but whereas the Blades were eventually able to find the money, Leeds could not compete with Premier League football

Around £86 million had been spent in the window by Villa, whereas around £35.5 million has been recouped in sales. This equates to a net spend of roughly £51.5 million for Emery’s side so far this summer.

The club have reportedly made a net transfer loss of more than £312million since they returned to the Premier League in 2019.

Related topics:Unai EmeryHull CitySheffield United

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