Aston Villa transfer business this summer has its own hidden story, which has just been revealed after the deadline day.
Aston Villa have really gone through a summer of change, with ten new signings and the departure of the old team’s spine. Yet, there is always more than meets the eye. Behind the scenes, the untold story could be surprising or even beyond surprise. According to reliable sources, as reported in The Athletic,
‘The senior players’ departures led to a typically volatile window for Villa, but this one was not quite like any other.”
Such is true, as some transfer plans were completed as Emery had dreamed of, while in reality, others were quite the contrary. Villa’s transfer business this summer has its own twist, with the Spanish boss himself in the spotlight.
The arrival of Suzuki appears to have been one of the wishes Villa pushed for. They seem to have been fully confident in him, while also feeling rather annoyed with Emiliano Martinez’s constant desire to leave since last summer. Villa had already made up their mind that Suzuki was the number one and expected the Argentine to leave discreetly. So, there was no dual first-goalkeeper policy in Emery’s mind at all.
Eventually, the 34-year-old goalkeeper found a new destination at Chelsea after he had been offered to them by his agent, not by The Lions. He was almost stuck on the bench after Juventus pulled out, while Spurs had never been interested in Martinez at all. So, he had zero potential suitors before Robert Sanchez blundered in the Premier League opener.
The Spaniard had his wish too regarding Jack Grealish’s possible return. The management were already approaching the player’s camp. Yet, Emery did not show his enthusiasm for his return, while Villa’s loan berth for a Premier League rival had been used up. Thus, the move did not happen.
The most devastating one, which might have broken Emery’s heart, was Watkins’ departure. He was expected to stay and help with the rebuilding transition from the old generation to the new one. The contract extension offer to make the striker one of the highest earners in Europe was real. Unfortunately, the former Brentford man’s heart was already set on the Middle East.
In the hunt for a frontman, Emery personally pushed to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, despite being suggested that he did not suit Aston Villa’s profile. Eventually, their offer to Palace was rejected. Meanwhile, regarding the pursuit of Rafael Leao, Villa failed as well. It was due to the fact that they never made any formal offer to Milan, despite announcing their plan to ask the Portuguese international on loan scheme.
Emery also did not get what he preferred at right-back. He actually wanted Emerson Royal. The response from the Brazilian was positive too. Unfortunately, the move could not be sanctioned due to the lengthy negotiations, while Flamengo could not find a proper replacement for the former Real Betis and Barcelona man in time. So, he ended up staying.
Last but not least was the Tammy Abraham issue. Apparently, Villa wanted him gone since Emery had not been impressed by him since his arrival in January. In fact, they had already been offering him throughout the whole summer, but the former AC Milan and Roma man opted to stay.
No wonder that the Spanish boss would demand more from him to earn his spot in the team, as he is the only out-and-out forward left beside Nicolas Jackson, at least until January.
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