It's known that Aston Villa will have to make tough decisions. Unfortunately for AVFC supporters, Friday's win showed the likely direction that the club is going to be going in. While the moment following the full-time whistle should have been that of a joyous occasion, it instead showed a highly emotional outburst for two players who have come to mean a lot.
Emiliano Martínez was shown in tears, applauding the Villa Park fans after their 2-0 victory. Leon Bailey was then seen isolated, touching the grass. This came after some described him as not being particularly happy while waiting to be subbed on.
Many are interpreting the actions of these two as a strong indication that they know or maybe even have been told of the direction that the club will be going in during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Bailey and Martínez have played important roles at Villa since their arrivals in B6. It has been a steady progression within the grounds, and Villan fans know how much they've poured into the club.
At the end of the day, all that people want to see are players who are willing to leave their full effort out on the pitch. Without leaving anything questioned in terms of what could have been had someone given more energy levels, Bailey and Martínez showed true joy and passion for the badge.
Now looking at what should have been a great, unified, joyful moment for AVFC in front of the Villa Park supporters, the PSR aspect has stolen from the potential final sequence of two outstanding Villans.
Likely last moments for Aston Villa players at Villa Park
At this point, there is not anything official, though reports have Martínez linked to an undisclosed European team or one in Saudi Arabia. Bailey is expected to also leave in order to meet the needed PSR threshold.
That reality may have happened regardless. It is a shame, however, that those at VP weren't able to focus on the celebrations from the win. The talk and discussion have now shifted to what will happen after May, and it's too bad.