I think everything stems back to winter 24/25 when we were really struggling and couldn't put two passes together. Emi probably thought the dream of winning something at Villa was over, as did many fans but it was at this time he probably thought he'd have to move on so changed his agent for Jorge Mendes.
Obviously things picked up, we had fun in the Champions League and climbed the table only to miss out on qualifying again due to goal difference. Financially we were in trouble if we wanted to bring new players in and I guess a few of the higher earners/older players were told whilst we'd like to keep them if a big offer came in we would have to consider it. Emi had his tears whilst Mendes rubbed his hands together, afterall buying and selling players is how he makes his money.
This summer was pretty much a repeat, as we've seen with Rogers, everybody is for sale at the right price. Fortunately for us, Juventus could neither afford to buy him or pay his wages. Maybe a longer contract was the only attraction but any deal also had to work for us and it didn't.
Emi being grateful for the support & guidance from Nassef Sawiris has me thinking that when the time is right Emi (and Mendes) will get a very big payday in Saudi. Until then I'll continue to love him every time he puts on a Villa shirt. Even this summer with his Argentina shirt when those around him were losing their heads he did the club proud with his behavior. What's not to love?