A year ago, Aston Villa were struggling so much financially that they couldn't afford their tax bill and were at genuine risk of going into administration just before the new Championship season begun.
12 months on and the Villains, backed by new American owners, are only behind Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus in the list of big spenders in European football this season.
As they prepare for the season back in the Premier League after three campaigns in the Championship, the Midlands have spent over £100 million on TEN new signings thus far - with an eleventh on the way.
Dean Smith made a point of acquiring both Tyrone Mings (£20 million) and Anwar El Ghazi £8 million) on Permanent deals after both played crucial roles on loan in the promotion-winning season last term, while he's also snapped up Brentford's Ezri Konsa for £12 million and raided local rivals Birmingham City and Wolves with the additions of Jota (£4 million and Kortney Hause (£3 million).
Southampton left-back Matt Target has been drafted in for a reported fee of £11.5 million back, as well as Stade Reims' defender Bjorn Engels and Kasimpasa winger Mahmoud Hassan, better known as 'Trezeguet', arriving at Villa Park in £8 million moves respectively.
Villa have smashed their transfer record with the £22 million capture of Club Brugge striker Wesley Moraes and are now set to announce a deal for his club teammate, Marvelous Nakamba, who will cost £11 million.
That transfer, coupled with the £15 million signing of Brazil Under 23 captain Douglas Luiz from Manchester City following Friday's announcement, sees Villa summer spending total £120 million.
There is the danger that Villa could be 'doing a Fulham' after the Cottagers big summer of spending last term saw them relegated, but it is worth noting that the club did need plenty of incomings given the amount of deadwood they had to get rid of.
Advert
According to The Telegraph, the 1982 European Cup winners are still keen on making at least one more signings, with a goalkeeper and forward still believed to be wanted.
Featured Image Credit:
Topics: Football News, Aston Villa, Football, Tyrone Mings, Premier League
