Matty Cash sale could fall through ahead of PSR deadline

Villa defender Matty Cash has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the past week. It has been reported by Jacob Tanswell (The Athletic) that AC Milan have made contact with Aston Villa over the potential signing of Cash and negotiations had advanced past the first stages.

However, Villa have slapped a £30 million price tag on the Polish defender and the asking price is proving to be a stumbling block with the Italian side not willing to meet that price. The money raised from the potential sale would give Villa a huge financial boost ahead of the PSR deadline on 30th June.

Having qualified for the Champions League next season, it seems as though Villa have been forced into a position where sales are required to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, which has been heavily criticised by Villa's co-owner Nassef Sawiris. Sawiris had this to say on the spending rule book that has "turned football into a financial game rather than a sporting game":

"The rules have resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity. The rules do not make sense and are not good for football."

- Nassef Sawiris

It is well known that the PSR rules allow for Premier League clubs to sustain a three-year maximum loss of £105 million in their accounts. Villa, in May 2023, reported a loss of £119 million which has forced the club to consider plans to generate greater revenue and sell key players. Sawiris has even said during his complaints of the system that he, like those at Manchester City, is considering taking legal action against the Premier League.

It is of popular opinion amongst the fans that Matty Cash is a player that most would be happy to see depart the club as the team require an upgrade ahead of their Champions League campaign and receiving a fee in the region of £30 million would be tremendous. Having signed Cash for roughly £16 million from Nottingham Forest in 2020, it would be great business from Villa should they sell for almost double that amount. However, as mentioned, AC Milan believe Villa's valuation should be lowered and with negotiations ongoing it seems more likely that Cash would depart for a fee between 20 and 25 million pounds.

UTV