Summer 2024 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It's looking like we've only gone and got João Félix.

[coreyfeldman]

It's looking like we've only gone and got João Félix.

Who's saying this mate?

[chrisw1]

I thought there was no chance, fee, wages and the players desire to play at Barcelona.  But the noise has now really increased on this one and the odds have plummeted.  It feels like it might happen.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It's looking like we've only gone and got João Félix.

Who's saying this mate?

Executive editor of the leading daily football paper here (A Bola), SPORT in Spain, a few others claiming he either stays in Madrid or joins us, Barca have given up. He's supposed to turn up in Madrid on Saturday for their squad presentation and obviously doesn't want to be there.

[john2710]

As others have said, Felix seems to fit the profile of the type of player we need. It also seems he's Emery's first choice. I think it's just a matter of Athletico coming to terms with the finances. I'm sure we have other options if it doesn't happen.

We'd need a player with Duran's physical attributes if he goes. But we don't need to sell unless it suits us.

We need another centre back, we have no idea how Mings will be but it can be assumed he won't be able to play games every 3-4 days. Especially so if Konsa is expected to play at right back in the tighter games. An injury to Torres and we're going to struggle.

Another right back would be good; it's possible, but unlikely that Emery sees Kesler as that option. Either way it would allow Kosta to go on loan somewhere.

I'd keep Digne ahead of Moreno.

[Chris_Jephcott]

I was just thinking whilst walking around Belfast with work yesterday lunchtime.

Several years ago, a few of us had a hunch that something special was developing. There was just this feeling in the water, something was stirring deep inside. An excitement? An anticipation? It felt exciting. Whatever it was, it was growing.

Fast forward a couple of seasons and I have the same feeling again right now. A real anticipation that something incredible is brewing and that we stand on the edge of an incredible period for our club.

For the vast majority of us, we’ve been through some incredible highs and incredible lows following this club. Relegation, League Cup Finals, FA Cup Finals. Collymore’s goal against Athletico Madrid. Years of indifference. A period where it looked like we were going to be challenging for relegation out of the Championship if things didn’t improve! Tony Xia! Bankruptcy and insolvency around the corner. NSWE purchasing us. Randy Lerner.

Each one of the above is evocative, but certainly not limited to the list. We’ll all have personal feelings related to other events. I remember my Mum having a stroke as soon as we got back from that game v Birmingham City where Cahill scored that wonder goal. I also remember being beaten up at school for “being the only Villa fan in the playground”.

But it feels as though we are just on the edge, looking straight up into an amazing period for this club, where we can be even proud than we already are of this team.

If we lose a few along the way, so be it. Diaby will always have a question over what his second season would have been like. Duran will always have a question over what would happen if his attitude was different. Dougie will be missed as he was part of the heart of this team.

But this is an adventure now, and I can’t wait for the next few seasons. This is the most excited that I have ever been as a Villa fan. And - do you want to bet against us next season?

Up the Villa!

[chrisw1]

Great post Chris.  I feel the same.  My nagging doubt is the stadium will hold us back, but I just have to hope Heck has a plan.

[algy]

I was just thinking whilst walking around Belfast with work yesterday lunchtime.

Several years ago, a few of us had a hunch that something special was developing. There was just this feeling in the water, something was stirring deep inside. An excitement? An anticipation? It felt exciting. Whatever it was, it was growing.

Fast forward a couple of seasons and I have the same feeling again right now. A real anticipation that something incredible is brewing and that we stand on the edge of an incredible period for our club.

[...]

But this is an adventure now, and I can’t wait for the next few seasons. This is the most excited that I have ever been as a Villa fan. And - do you want to bet against us next season?

Up the Villa!

Excellent post, Chris.  Agree with all of it.

I dunno, I just get the impression that we're on the cusp of something here, at the start of a great period in the history of this football club.

[Drummond]

I saw something last night that had is haggling over a fee for Felix, loan with obligation to buy next year, whereas they want us to stump up now.

He has the talent and we have the management to bring it out.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I thought there was no chance, fee, wages and the players desire to play at Barcelona.  But the noise has now really increased on this one and the odds have plummeted.  It feels like it might happen.

Yup. Looks like Monchi has played a blinder and got Madrid by the short and curlies.
The reason I'm confident this is nailed on is the top man from A Bola is a powerful figure here and wouldn't be making these claims unless he knew the deal was pretty much done. His reputation is king.

Secondly, he'll have a hotline to Jorges Mendes, Félix's agent. They both need each other.

[VILLA MOLE]

Philogene is not going out in loan. That’s madness.

Yes he will be given an opportunity,  he has said as much

[Dogtanian]

The Athletic talking about the possibility;

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5655107/2024/07/25/aston-villa-joao-felix-transfer/

"Both parties have options on the table. Villa have other targets..."

"Expendable squad members... would free up funds for a Felix-calibre player as well as other positions being targeted, with a right-back not out of the question."

"...the wagons have circled Joao Felix again and with greater confidence in the 24-year-old jumping on."

[Chris Smith]

I was just thinking whilst walking around Belfast with work yesterday lunchtime.

Several years ago, a few of us had a hunch that something special was developing. There was just this feeling in the water, something was stirring deep inside. An excitement? An anticipation? It felt exciting. Whatever it was, it was growing.

Fast forward a couple of seasons and I have the same feeling again right now. A real anticipation that something incredible is brewing and that we stand on the edge of an incredible period for our club.

[...]

But this is an adventure now, and I can’t wait for the next few seasons. This is the most excited that I have ever been as a Villa fan. And - do you want to bet against us next season?

Up the Villa!

Excellent post, Chris.  Agree with all of it.

I dunno, I just get the impression that we're on the cusp of something here, at the start of a great period in the history of this football club.

Me too, I think it’s a reflection of the quiet confidence that Unai himself displays.

[LeeS]

I dont really follow other clubs at all so I couldn’t have picked Joao Felix out of a line up of one. But I’ve just been researching him and I’m staggered that anyone wants him. He is trouble and no mistake. In Unai we trust, but this sounds like a terrible waste of money. I hope it’s all a Monchi smokescreen for someone a bit more reliable.

[eamonn]

Loaning-out Philogene to Everton while we keep hold of their far less talented Dobbin...fuck that.