Aston Villa at risk of seeing summer transfer deals fall through if crushing scenario pans out

Aston Villa could potentially see certain transfer targets turn them down should the club not quality for the Champions League, according to Don Goodman.

The Villans have spent a large part of the Premier League campaign in fourth place, but they now find themselves behind Tottenham on goal difference in fifth having played a game more.

Finishing fifth this season may yet be enough for a spot in the new-look Champions League next season, but that remains to be seen at this point.

And if Villa do miss out on a place in UEFA’s flagship competition, Goodman believes that could impact transfer business at Villa Park this summer.

“There are players out there that just will refuse to play for a club that’s not in the Champions League,” Goodman told Villa News. “We’ve seen transfers break down because of that in the past, so there will be those players out there.

“It depends on the player. Different players have different outlooks, different mentalities and different wants. But when you stop and analyse the history and size of Aston Villa Football club, it’s a giant.

“They’re a side that have won the European Cup and the English league. They had a bad period in their history, but are now out the other side because of Unai Emery.

“He’s turned them around, upside down and on its head. So it will be an attractive drawer for high-calibre players wanting to play in the Premier League.

“But I do think they’ll have Champions League football anyway, which will allow them to attract that player with a tiny bit more quality.”

Who will Aston Villa sign this summer?

Aston Villa will already likely have a couple of transfer shortlists written up – one if Champions League football is secured and the other if they miss out.

Even in the worst-case scenario, the Villans have shown they are still able to attract high-calibre level players – albeit not a player from the absolute top drawer.

Aston Villa Moussa Diaby
Moussa Diaby has already been linked with an Aston Villa exit

And that is the difference. Champions League football not only brings in more money, it also enhances the prestige of the club and makes attracting players a little easier.

As long as Emery is in charge, though, Villa will always be able to attract players that many Premier League rivals will be jealous of.

With Emery at the helm and the prospect of Champions League football, it should make for a very exciting summer in terms of transfer activity.

In other Aston Villa news, Don Goodman has shared his verdict on the possibility of Jaden Philogene returning to Villa Park.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.