Aston Villa transfer news: Monchi hints at summer strategy after revealing failed move for La Liga defender

President of football operations Monchi has hinted that Aston Villa may be in for a long summer in the transfer market.

On the back of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, there had been hope that the West Midlands outfit would achieve another year at European football's top table.

Instead, a controversial defeat to Manchester United on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign ensured that the club would be participating in the Europa League.

Since then, focus has been on the club's finances, Villa seemingly complying with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations through the sale of their women's team but receiving a £9.5m fine from UEFA for breaking their rules.

Furthermore, Villa are under pressure to comply with certain imposed conditions for a three-year period, and that will seemingly lead to a different approach to the summer transfer window.

Monchi speaks on failed Bade move

Speaking on Cadena Ser’s El Larguero on Monday night, Monchi was quizzed on whether Villa still held an interest in Sevilla defender Loic Bade.

In reply, not only did Monchi rule out a renewed attempt for the Frenchman, he gave every indication that Villa could not afford to pursue a player rated in the £30m bracket.

Monchi said: "We’re not looking for that type of player. We tried to sign him in the winter transfer window, but right now we’re not at that level of player."

A major blow for supporters?

With loan deals for Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford having not been converted into permanent stays, Villa fans have been aware for some time that they cannot spend freely this summer.

No major sales took place prior to the June 30 accounting date, subsequently leading to the sale of the women's team instead, and at least one major exit remains a considerable possibility over the next six weeks.

So far, Villa have confirmed the acquisitions of defender Yasin Ozcan and forward Zepiqueno Redmond - two 19-year-olds - for the new season, and only cashed in on homegrown talent Kaine Kesler-Hayden.

The lack of proactivity can be perceived to be deliberate as the club assesses their options and perhaps waits for offers to arrive for their high-profile players.

While there will be, by no means, a player exodus at Villa Park, it may take the exit of someone like Emiliano Martinez or Leon Bailey - two players heavily linked with a departure - to kick-start Unai Emery's efforts to strengthen his squad.

Written by
Darren Plant