AdminAlan Shearer has criticised the financial rules that have forced Aston Villa to sell several key players this summer, insisting it “isn’t right” for ambitious clubs to repeatedly lose their best talent.
Villa have endured a major squad overhaul, with Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans already departing.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez could also leave, potentially stripping Unai Emery of five regular starters from last season.
Shearer believes Villa have been badly affected by the Premier League’s financial regulations and UEFA’s squad cost ratio.
“I have a bit of sympathy for Villa because we’re in the same boat at Newcastle,” the Magpies legend said.
“I don’t think it’s right. You have to constantly sell your best players. Newcastle had to do it last year, they had to do it this year, and it’s hit Villa hard this term.”
Despite Villa’s difficulties, Shearer remains confident Emery can guide the club through the crisis.
“They’ve got an incredible manager who will be able to guide them – as he has done over the past few years and done a great job,” he said. “Whilst they have Unai Emery as manager I’ll always back them.”
Villa have raised more than £250m through sales this summer, with the figure expected to pass £300m. Rogers’ £117m move to Chelsea accounts for the largest portion, while Konsa joined Arsenal for £55m and Tielemans moved to Manchester United for £35m.
The scale of the departures has raised concerns over Villa’s ability to rebuild while remaining financially compliant.
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