Aston Villa confirm Rangers-esque transfer move amid £2.5m behind-the-scenes deal
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is happy to see Monchi on his way to Aston Villa with the Sevilla sporting director now confirmed to be reunited with Unai Emery.
The Villans confirmed on Friday 16 June that the 54-year-old has been appointed president of football operations.
It is understood that Villa paid Monchi’s releases clause at Sevilla and also paying an extra fee to ensure he can start work at Bodymoor Heath as soon as possible rather than serving a three-month notice period. The deal will cost around £2.5million (Express and Star, 16 June).
Johan Lange is set to stay at Villa Park and will assume a key role as global director of football development. Hutton believes is important now it’s been confirmed that Christian Purslow has stepped down as CEO and director.
“They needed someone to come in,” Hutton told Villa News. “Christian Purslow has left now so they need somebody in.
“Unai Emery’s worked with Monchi before at Sevilla so they’ve got a good understanding between the two of them and have done really well in European competitions.
“They’ll want somebody to work with the manager to get top targets in and be a bit like Rangers, doing business early on, so they can hit the ground running.
“They’ve got European football as well so it’s something they need to organise quickly.”
Villa have already completed one transfer this summer with Youri Tielemans set to join for free officially on 1 July when his contract at Leicester City expires.
Rangers, who Hutton mentioned, have completed four signings since the end of the Scottish Premiership season with striker Sam Lammers joining Michael Beale’s Ibrox revolution on Thursday (16 June).
Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and ex-Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland have also signed for Rangers.
In other Aston Villa news, a release clause for Ollie Watkins has been mooted amid contract talks at Villa Park.