Stan Collymore blames two failed signings for Aston Villa financial issues
Stan Collymore has been extremely critical of Aston Villa so far this season.
Collymore disagreed with Villa’s decision to sign Jadon Sancho on transfer deadline day, citing the winger’s poor form since his return to the Premier League as a warning sign his former club should have taken note of.
The former England international’s concerns have been proved to be correct so far, with Sancho failing to impress on his debut against Brentford.
However, it is two more underwhelming signings that Collymore believes are to blame for Villa’s current financial struggles.
Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen to blame for Villa’s PSR troubles
Unai Emery’s side have started the season poorly so far, but this could be set to change with Boubacar Kamara potentially starting against Sunderland as the midfielder continues to work his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury.
Villa’s lack of spending in the summer transfer window is arguably the primary reason behind the Villans’ slow start to the current campaign.
With the club teetering on the edge of breaching the PSR rules, Collymore claims two players who have struggled since their move to Villa Park on lucrative contracts are partially to blame for Villa’s lack of spending.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror on page 64 on 21 September, Collymore said: “It’s been a difficult start to the season, and juggling PSR hasn’t helped.
“Some of the blame can be laid at the door of financial compliance, but there is also blame for bringing players in on big money who haven’t worked out as hoped. Players like Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen.”
“From my perspective, I don’t think they’ve particularly strengthened very well,” Collymore continued.
“They’ve obviously got PSR compliance issues. They sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, and this is on the back of selling Jhon Duran, Douglas Luiz and the rest.”
How much do Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen cost Aston Villa per year?
According to Capology, Maatsen earns £125,000 per week at Villa, whilst Malen earns a staggering £175,000 per week.
- Per annum, Malen costs Villa £9.1million per year
- Maatsen sets the Villans back a further £6.5million per year
- Combined, the pair’s wages total £15.6million per annum
Considering Maatsen started just 10 Premier League games last season, whilst Malen started just two, both players are being compensated far too much for their contributions to Emery’s side on the pitch.
Whilst the PSR rules ultimately do hold Villa back, they continue to shoot themselves in the foot by handing out deals with wages that do not match the ability of the player.
Both Maatsen and Malen will know they will be unlikely to get offered this money elsewhere, so when it comes to eventually moving them on, Villa will surely struggle to get the pair off the books.
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