Aston Villa Escapes 10-Point Penalty with Transfer

Aston Villa narrowly avoided a significant 10-point deduction from the Premier League after a last-minute sale of midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus for approximately £42 million. The club faced a financial crisis due to exceeding the allowable £105 million loss limit over three years, prompting urgent action to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, described the situation as a 'bomb with a countdown', acknowledging the frantic efforts made during a typically quiet holiday period in football. The successful sale allowed Villa to celebrate their Champions League qualification without the shadow of a points penalty hanging over them. Their close call echoes the recent experiences of other clubs, such as Everton, who faced similar sanctions for financial breaches. Villa officials expressed their frustration with the financial regulations, labeling them a 'perversion' that favors established clubs.