Three players who could interest Aston Villa amid transfer firesale concerns
Aston Villa Poised for Strategic Moves as Transfer Market Opens and Lyon’s Financial Crisis Presents Opportunity
Aston Villa are gearing up for another active and potentially transformative summer transfer window. With June 30 marking a crucial deadline in the football financial calendar due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the days following that date are set to be pivotal—not only for Villa, but for numerous clubs across Europe.
Villa’s Financial Landscape: Room to Manoeuvre
While Villa’s PSR-related headaches have been somewhat alleviated in recent months—thanks in large part to the sales of Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby, coupled with the financial windfall from qualifying for the UEFA Champions League—the club still faces a delicate balancing act. The imminent PSR deadline has forced clubs across the English top flight to ensure that their financial statements for the 2024/25 accounting period are clean. Failure to do so could result in significant sanctions.
Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, were particularly busy last year, with a number of significant arrivals and departures. The squad saw the additions of Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, and Jaden Philogene, while high-profile exits included Diaby and Douglas Luiz. During the winter window, Duran and Diego Carlos were also moved on, with short-term replacements brought in on loan to maintain squad depth while respecting financial constraints.
Despite the challenges, the club remains in relatively sound financial health. However, due to the strict nature of PSR, Villa cannot spend recklessly. Still, opportunities to strengthen the squad smartly—particularly through clubs in financial turmoil—are not only welcome but essential.
Lyon’s Financial Implosion: A Rare Buying Opportunity
One such opportunity has arisen in France, where Olympique Lyonnais (OL)—a club historically known for its success in Ligue 1—has been plunged into financial chaos. In November 2024, Lyon’s ownership group, Eagle Football Group, was reported to be drowning in over £422 million in debt. French football authorities took swift action, handing the club a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and a transfer ban for the January window.
On Tuesday evening, it was confirmed that Lyon’s demotion to Ligue 2 had been upheld, despite their protests. The club, which had managed to secure European qualification this past season, called the decision “incomprehensible.” Meanwhile, Eagle Football’s owner, John Textor, moved quickly to improve liquidity by selling his stake in Crystal Palace for £190 million.
The fallout has already begun. Lyon have sold winger Said Benrahma to Neom in Saudi Arabia, while star playmaker Rayan Cherki has been snapped up by Manchester City in a deal worth £34 million. Other key players, including Jake O’Brien (Everton), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), and Maxence Caqueret (Como), have also departed. Veterans Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Tagliafico were released as part of a massive cost-cutting initiative.
Players Villa Could Target from Lyon’s Fire Sale
Given Lyon’s dire need to raise funds, Aston Villa could be well-positioned to take advantage of the French side’s struggles by targeting a few of their remaining prized assets—particularly those in attacking positions, where Emery is eager to bolster his options.
Malick Fofana – The Crown Jewel
Topping the list of potential targets is 20-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana, a rising star who has made a serious impact since joining from Gent in January 2024. Fofana contributed 11 goals and six assists in 41 appearances last season across all competitions and has recently earned a call-up to the Belgium national team.
A dynamic, versatile attacker with flair and pace, Fofana has already been linked to Liverpool and Chelsea, but Villa could act swiftly and decisively to secure his signature. Valued at around €30 million, he fits the profile of a high-upside signing and could view Villa’s upward trajectory as an ideal launchpad for his Premier League aspirations.
Ernest Nuamah – The Unfulfilled Talent
Another intriguing name is Ernest Nuamah, the 21-year-old Ghanaian winger who had previously come close to joining Fulham before opting to return to Lyon. Signed from Nordsjaelland, Nuamah hasn’t hit top gear in Ligue 1, but he’s still seen as a player with enormous potential. Villa’s track record of developing young talents under Emery could appeal to both the player and his representatives.
Corentin Tolisso – A Veteran Option
World Cup-winning midfielder Corentin Tolisso is another name to watch. The former Bayern Munich star returned to Lyon in 2022 but could now be moved on due to his wages and Lyon’s financial priorities. Tolisso has been linked with clubs in Turkey and Brighton, but Villa might see value in adding his experience and versatility to a midfield that will be tested by European and domestic competitions.
Other Familiar Faces
The Lyon squad also contains names that would be familiar to English fans, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nemanja Matic, and ex-Villan Jordan Veretout—though they are less likely to be primary targets. Still, if depth becomes an issue, Villa could explore low-cost, short-term options among Lyon’s experienced corps.
What Comes Next?
With the PSR deadline of June 30 fast approaching, Villa’s transfer activity could soon pick up pace. The club will likely assess its financial headroom post-deadline before finalising targets and making formal bids. Lyon’s predicament offers a rare market inefficiency—high-quality players at potentially cut-price deals—and Villa could emerge as one of the smartest operators this summer if they act quickly.
In a market defined by tight spending rules and inflated valuations, leveraging Lyon’s misfortunes may give Aston Villa a competitive edge, helping the club strengthen key areas without breaking the bank.
As always, much depends on the willingness of clubs and players to strike deals—but with so much at stake on both sides, this is one transfer subplot to watch closely in the weeks ahead.