Aston Villa stumbles into a season of big challenges and even bigger rewards. The club battled profit and sustainability issues after nearly hitting its loss limit.
Qualification for the Champions League raised both hopes and spending.
PSR rules allow top-flight clubs to lose no more than £105 million over three years. Aston Villa came dangerously close to that limit. The club increased its wage bill after earning Champions League entry.
Recent figures show a record surge in revenue. Club income jumped from £218 million to £265 million in the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, the wage bill climbed from £194 million to £252 million.
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Villa advanced to the Champions League last 16 and will face Club Brugge in Belgium on Tuesday, 4 March. Their current record stands at 8 games played, 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. The goal difference sits at +7, which places them 8th in the group.
Sources predict the European run could yield nearly £100 million in prize money. Villa may even collect between £100 million and £110 million. The extended Swiss format boosts their chances further.
To manage PSR fears, the club may offload players in June. Players like Douglas Luiz, Tim Iroegbunam, and Omari Kellyman left before the previous accounting deadline. This move may prevent a spending breach.
Villa takes a bold stance compared to clubs that play it safe. Some teams, such as Newcastle, avoid taking such risks. Villa’s aggressive strategy could help them break into the top five.
Reports indicate the club breached UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules last season. The overspending aimed to secure Champions League qualification. If they progress further, the extra revenue could ease their PSR concerns.
