It feels as if the transfer window is still only just kicking into action. However, not for Aston Villa. The confirmation of Ezri Konsa’s arrival from Brentford as their seventh summer signing takes their summer spending tally to over £70 million. It is a big risk; one that could repeat recent history, and one that could come back to bite them.
Aston Villa Taking Risk With Summer Spending
Learn From Others’ Mistake
Promoted clubs often take one of two approaches upon their arrival to the Premier league; either spend big on quality or keep the squad together that saw them win promotion.
Last season, Fulham opted for an overhaul of the squad that saw them win promotion by spending excessively. They brought in 12 players for a total of over £100 million. However, the mammoth summer spending could not help them remain in the Premier League, suffering relegation after just one season.
In contrast, when Bournemouth were promoted to the Premier League four years ago, their summer spending tallied a modest £35 million. Eddie Howe opted in favour of keeping those who saw them win the 2014/15 Championship title at a canter.
Aston Villa already have several talented options available, so why spend excessively?
Several of Last Year’s Stars Were Loans
Aston Villa’s promotion-winning squad did, in fact, comprise of several loans. One of them was last season’s top scorer Tammy Abraham, who has returned to Chelsea. His goals will be duly missed. Abraham’s replacement, Wesley Moraes, is yet to play a Premier League game. As a result, there is an immense amount of pressure on him to succeed.
Three of last year’s loan cohort have returned to Villa Park permanently. Play-off final hero Anwar El Ghazi was the first to be announced, signing a four-year deal. The Dutchman is likely to be the current first choice with limited options available upfront.
Furthermore, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause have also returned to contribute to the summer spending at Aston Villa. The former returns for a club-record fee.
Summer Spending to Continue For Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s summer spending may not be over. They continue to be linked with a number of players.
Manager Dean Smith is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper. The latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Villa Park is Darren Randolph, according to Ben Husband of Birmingham Live.
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