It can be very frustrating and unfair to watch someone like Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha choose Manchester United despite everything that is going on there. It makes it even more so, not because players are going to an assumed 'top six' club, but because Aston Villa would not be able to feasibly even begin to entertain such signings.
That is the consequence of dropping out of Champions League and playing in Europa League instead. Man Utd, meanwhile, appear able to spend as much as they like without any fear of PSR concerns.
It only shows, once again, that the rules are set up and in place to benefit Chelsea, Liverpool, etc., and prevent Villa from playing on an even field of competition in the business aspect.
While these observations are somewhat obvious to make, that does not make them less infuriating. Luckily it is still in the realm of competitive sports. Naturally, being able to attract the best available players every transfer window provides a sense of hope. As everyone witnessed when PSG won the European title, however, money does not guarantee anything.
As it is, the top clubs have spent boatloads of money, only to see their respective seasons come crashing down.
How Aston Villa combats clear disadvantage
Regardless of who a club attracts to its side, chemistry, fit, and alignment are needed. Here is where Villa, with Unai Emery, Monchi, and Damian Vidagany, can fight back against the current system that is actively working against the growth potential of the club.
Attracting players to a side is one thing. Seeing how they interact, train, and then play within the given system is an entirely different undertaking.
Villa may not be able to recklessly spend each year to stay under an arbitrary line in the sand. Fortunately for AVFC, they do not need to.