The game-changing £20m Aston Villa and Rangers transfer swap deal which could benefit both teams
Aston Villa and Rangers Set for Pivotal Summer Amid Possible £20m Player Swap Deal
Though separated by leagues, geography, and domestic ambitions, Aston Villa and Rangers both enter the 2025 summer transfer window with a shared urgency: their transfer business in the coming months will be absolutely critical in shaping the direction of their respective clubs.
Villa’s Ambitious Climb and Summer Goals
For Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, the 2024/25 campaign was one of major strides. The Villans not only qualified for the UEFA Europa League, but also defied expectations by reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and coming within touching distance of an FA Cup final appearance, narrowly missing out after a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley.
In the Premier League, Villa remained in contention for a top-five finish until the closing weeks of the season—further testament to their evolution under Emery. Their intent was unmistakably shown in the January transfer window, when they shocked the footballing world with the deadline-day loan acquisitions of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Though short-term, these signings signaled a bold shift in ambition at Villa Park.
With their European exploits set to resume next season and silverware firmly on the agenda, Villa are expected to continue making statements in the transfer market this summer—both to solidify their domestic status and compete strongly on the continental stage.
Rangers Under Pressure to Respond
Meanwhile, Rangers find themselves in a very different scenario. The 2024/25 campaign ended in deep disappointment for the Glasgow giants, as rivals Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title by a whopping 16 points. That triumph drew them level with Rangers on 55 domestic league titles each—a symbolic blow in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
In response, Rangers have taken bold managerial action, appointing Russell Martin as their new head coach. With Martin expected to oversee significant changes at Ibrox, the club may be on the verge of a squad overhaul. As such, the summer window promises to be decisive—not only in restoring fan confidence but also in narrowing the growing gap to their Old Firm rivals.
A Creative Solution: Villa and Rangers to Explore Swap Deal?
In a window where both clubs need impactful yet cost-effective moves, a mutually beneficial swap deal has begun to gain traction in some circles—even if only theoretically for now. According to Birmingham World, Aston Villa could propose a player-plus-cash offer to land Rangers’ dynamic Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin, with Ross Barkley potentially heading the other way as part of the package.
While no official reports have confirmed negotiations between the two sides, the potential merits of such a deal are clear.
Why Raskin to Villa Makes Sense
Nico Raskin, signed from Standard Liege for just £1.3 million in 2023, has flourished into one of Rangers’ most reliable and influential players. The 24-year-old Belgian international is a central midfielder who thrives in a deep-lying playmaker role, combining tactical discipline with forward thrust.
With 95 appearances already to his name at Ibrox, Raskin has recently added an attacking edge to his game—scoring three goals and contributing four assists in his last five games. His technical quality, composure, and European experience would make him an ideal addition to Emery’s high-tempo, possession-based system.
Raskin’s current valuation sits around £20 million, reflecting his growing importance and international pedigree. However, a part-exchange deal could bring that figure down.
Barkley to Rangers: A Viable Replacement?
Although Ross Barkley has shown glimpses of his former self since arriving from Luton Town for £5 million in 2024, the former England international has struggled to break into Emery’s star-studded midfield. Limited to just 876 minutes across all competitions last season, Barkley still produced four goals and two assists, averaging a goal contribution every 146 minutes.
At 31, Barkley still has enough in the tank to thrive in the Scottish Premiership, and he brings top-tier experience from the Premier League and Europe—making him a potential asset for Russell Martin’s rebuild.
Given that both players operate in similar midfield roles, Raskin’s departure wouldn’t create a glaring tactical hole for Rangers if Barkley were brought in as a direct replacement. The proposed swap could also involve a cash sweetener in the region of £12 million, bringing the total value closer to Raskin’s estimated worth.
Would a Swap Deal Be a Masterstroke?
While speculative at this point, such a move could be seen as a masterstroke by both clubs.
For Villa, it secures one of Scotland’s top emerging midfielders—one capable of stepping into a long-term role and contributing across multiple competitions.
For Rangers, it brings in a player with elite-level experience and provides additional funds to reinvest elsewhere in the squad.
Of course, losing Raskin would be a bitter pill to swallow for Rangers fans, especially after his stellar performances. But if they receive an experienced replacement and cash to strengthen other areas, the deal may soften the blow and accelerate their rebuild.
A Window That Could Define Both Clubs
Whether or not a Barkley–Raskin swap materialises, the upcoming summer will be season-defining for both Aston Villa and Rangers. Villa want to transform promise into silverware, while Rangers are fighting to regain their dominance in Scotland. The decisions made in the next few months could determine whether either club achieves its goals—or falls short.