Exclusive: Aston Villa ready to sell three more players this week as exodus intensifies
Aston Villa Prepare to Offload Several Players Before Crucial Financial Deadline
Aston Villa are preparing to part ways with multiple players this week as they look to streamline their squad and address concerns related to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), sources have informed Football Insider. The club is hoping to complete the sales of Leander Dendoncker, Louie Barry, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden before the end of the month, with the trio being told they are free to find new clubs ahead of the 30 June financial cut-off.
This upcoming deadline is significant, as it marks the end of the financial accounting year for Premier League clubs. To remain compliant with PSR regulations and avoid potential sanctions, Villa are under pressure to balance their books and improve their financial position through player sales.
Martinez and Other Key Players Could Also Depart
While the exits of Barry, Kesler-Hayden, and Dendoncker may seem minor on the surface, they are part of a wider plan that could include the departure of at least one high-profile name. World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is among the first-team stars who could be sold for a substantial fee. Villa are reportedly in negotiations with several clubs, including La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, over a potential big-money transfer for the Argentine international.
Martinez’s sale, if completed, would provide Villa with a significant financial boost and further aid in meeting PSR requirements. The 31-year-old remains a highly regarded figure at Villa Park, but the club may be forced to sacrifice him to secure long-term financial health.
Barry and Kesler-Hayden Set to Leave for Profit
Academy products Louie Barry and Kaine Kesler-Hayden are also on the chopping block, with their sales representing “pure profit” for the club due to their homegrown status. Offloading academy graduates often benefits clubs financially under PSR regulations, as their sales go down as 100% profit on the balance sheet.
Barry, 21, had an impressive spell with Stockport County during the first half of the 2023–24 campaign, where he netted 15 goals in just 23 appearances in League One. However, he was recalled by Villa in January and subsequently sent on loan to Hull City, where his season was unfortunately cut short due to a serious injury. Despite his potential, the club appears willing to cash in while his value remains high. His contract at Villa runs until June 2028, providing the club with some leverage in negotiations.
Kesler-Hayden, meanwhile, featured prominently for Preston North End in the 2024–25 season, racking up 28 appearances (24 starts) and amassing nearly 2,000 minutes of game time. The 21-year-old full-back, who has had five loan spells across the EFL during his time with Villa, could now be allowed to leave permanently as he seeks regular first-team football elsewhere.
Dendoncker Surplus to Requirements
Belgian midfielder Leander Dendoncker is also expected to depart. The 29-year-old spent last season on loan with Anderlecht, the club where he began his professional career, but failed to impress enough to secure a permanent move. With his contract at Villa Park running until 2026, Villa will hope to recoup some value for a player who has fallen well out of favour.
Dendoncker, once a reliable option in midfield, has not featured in Unai Emery’s long-term plans and is now deemed surplus to requirements. Finding a permanent home for the Belgian international would free up wages and aid Villa’s efforts to balance their financial obligations.
Leeds Target Villa Defender Alex Moreno
In addition to the aforementioned trio, Spanish left-back Alex Moreno could also be heading for the exit. Football Insider recently reported that Leeds United have initiated contact with Villa over a possible summer transfer for the 31-year-old.
Leeds are on the hunt for a new left-back following the imminent departure of Junior Firpo, who played a pivotal role in their recent Championship-winning campaign. With Firpo set to leave Elland Road at the end of his contract, Leeds view Moreno as a viable replacement. The Spaniard, who joined Villa in January 2023, remains under contract until June 2026, but could be allowed to leave for the right price.