Aston Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, and Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany, have both shared heartfelt messages after a hectic transfer window.
As the transfer deadline passed on Monday night, Villa ended with five new signings as Donyell Malen, Andres Garcia, Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi all arrived.
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There were exits too in order to balance our spending and maintain our healthy PSR position, with notable departures for Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene, while there were also a string of loan deals too.
Ultimately, it’s hoped that we’ve strengthened, addressed key areas of weakness, acquired top Unai Emery targets and balanced our books to ensure that we not only stay on the right side of the PSR parameters right now, but give ourselves flexibility in the summer to continue to improve.
It would have taken a tireless effort from the Villa management staff to get the deals done, and both Monchi and Vidagany posted wonderful messages on social media to share their thoughts on the entire process.
“Good morning Villains, a new day begins,” Monchi wrote on X. “We leave behind an intense and difficult transfer window. The results will determine whether the work has been good or not. Thanks to the owners for their support, to Unai for his trust, to the workers for their dedication and above all to Damian Vidagany, indispensable support in everything we have done. Trust the project. UTV always!!!”
Meanwhile, Vidagany added: “The process it is not about signings. It is about the beautiful moment of AVFC. This confidence in what we are doing. With Mistakes and imperfections. Up and downs. We have NSWE, committed owners, Monchi, experienced and sharp management team and staff, an amazing squad -honest players and hard workers- and a world class manager like Unai. All together. With you, the fans. The process is trust each other and help each other. Create a culture, a mentality. Through the effort and togetherness. See you on Sunday!!! UTV!”
Both provided a positive yet balanced assessment of their efforts over the past month and prior to that, and Monchi is absolutely right in that their work will have to be assessed on the pitch in the coming months to determine if it was all a success or not.
However, on paper, they appear to have done what was required to assemble a squad capable of kicking on in the second half of the season and to compete at the top level to achieve our objectives.
Admittedly, we have taken gambles on players who perhaps haven’t fulfilled their potential elsewhere, but in conjunction with Emery, we’ve added individuals who fit what he’s trying to build, have a point to prove, and hopefully relish this opportunity that they have at Villa between now and May.
We’re also fully aware of the impact and limitations that PSR has on us, and so to navigate that while trying to strengthen the squad can’t be easy, both with short-term and long-term planning, and so Monchi, Vidagany and the entire network and infrastructure at the club will hopefully see their efforts rewarded on the pitch in the coming weeks and months.