Spurs consider £40m swoop for Jacob Ramsey as Thomas Frank eyes midfield additions this summer with West Ham also monitoring developments
Aston Villa Open to Selling Jacob Ramsey Amid Financial Strategy Shift
Mail Sport understands that Aston Villa are open to parting ways with homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey this summer, primarily due to the financial advantages his sale would bring. As a product of the club’s academy, Ramsey would count as 100% profit on Villa’s balance sheet, a valuable asset as Premier League clubs continue to navigate the strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
While the club is not actively pushing him out, Villa are willing to consider offers for the 23-year-old should a suitable bid be made. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have both expressed an interest in the talented midfielder, but the reported £40 million ($55 million) asking price could prove a stumbling block for both London clubs, who may need to balance their own books carefully before committing to such a significant outlay.
Newcastle United are another Premier League side known to admire Ramsey, but speculation over a potential swap deal involving Harvey Barnes appears to have cooled. According to the Mail, such an exchange is now off the table and no longer viewed as a realistic option.
Ramsey has developed into a dependable performer for Villa, particularly under the guidance of manager Unai Emery. The England U21 international has featured prominently in Emery’s plans, making 90 appearances since the Spanish tactician took charge. During that period, he has scored 10 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, underlining his value as a creative force in midfield.
Despite Villa being in a stronger financial position this summer compared to last year, the club remains mindful of long-term sustainability. The frantic sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus in June 2024 was a direct response to the looming threat of a PSR-related points deduction—a scenario the club is now keen to avoid repeating. However, if Emery and the Villa hierarchy wish to pursue marquee signings during this transfer window, the sale of high-value academy graduates like Ramsey could become a strategic necessity.
Selling Ramsey would not only ease any lingering PSR concerns but also provide significant funds to reinvest into strengthening the squad. While fans may be reluctant to see a local talent depart, the reality of modern football finances means such decisions are increasingly common—even for clubs with ambitions of breaking into the Premier League’s upper echelons.
As the summer window progresses, Villa’s stance on Ramsey is likely to attract continued attention, especially from clubs eager to inject youth and dynamism into their midfield. Whether any suitor can meet the valuation, however, remains to be seen.