Aston Villa’s potential deal for Newcastle United’s William Osula didn’t materialize on deadline day, not because UEFA directly blocked the transfer, but due to financial regulations that made the deal unfeasible. Here’s what really happened ¹:

Financial Regulations Complicate the Deal

– UEFA’s Profit Calculation: Aston Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for a significant profit earlier in the summer. If Villa signed Osula, UEFA would have considered it an exchange deal and potentially revised down the profit from Ramsey’s sale. This adjustment would impact Villa’s financial records and potentially affect their compliance with UEFA’s financial regulations.

– Accounting Rules: The proposed loan deal with an obligation to buy would have been treated as a swap under UEFA’s accounting rules. This would mean Villa would have to start amortizing the future fee immediately, affecting their financial planning.

Impact on Aston Villa’s Finances

– Loss of Profit: Villa couldn’t afford to risk losing the profit from Ramsey’s sale, which would have been revised down by UEFA. This potential financial hit made the Osula deal unviable.

– Financial Headroom: Villa’s financial situation, including their wage structure and previous signings, limited their ability to make significant new signings without compromising their financial stability.

Alternative Moves

– Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho: Villa successfully signed Harvey Elliott from Liverpool on loan with an obligation to buy and Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on a season-long loan. These signings indicate Villa’s efforts to strengthen their squad despite financial constraints.

– Victor Lindelof Signing: Villa also signed Victor Lindelof on a free transfer, showcasing their strategy to balance squad strengthening with financial prudence.

Osula’s Future

– Competition at Newcastle: Osula’s move to Villa didn’t happen, and he faces competition from new signings like Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa at Newcastle. His future at St. James’ Park remains uncertain, with potential for another transfer in January.

– Interest from Other Clubs: Osula has attracted interest from other clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Ajax, indicating his potential value in the transfer market ¹ ².