Stefan Borson: Aston Villa 'tempted' to agree late signings, 'they could win PL title'

Aston Villa have enjoyed a strong season as they go in pursuit of a return to the Champions League. 

Villa have signed Tammy Abraham from Besiktas in a deal worth £18.3million, with the 28-year-old penning a four-and-a-half-year contract. 

Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz has returned to Villa on loan until the end of the season, while the agreement with Juventus includes a £21.7m option-to-buy clause.

It comes after Unai Emery’s side secured deals for teenagers Brian Madjo and Alysson earlier this month.

How much capacity do Aston Villa have to agree more deals?

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider he doesn’t believe Villa have much more capacity to agree deals before the transfer window closes on Monday (2 February). 

Villa are restrained by their settlement agreement with Uefa after being fined £9.5m last July for breaching the governing body’s financial rules.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I don’t think they have got much capacity, to be honest. I think the flip side of it is the temptation to do something, even though there isn’t that capacity there under the rules. The temptation must be great.

“It’s looking very likely they will get a Champions League spot through the league. I think they’ve got this dilemma in terms of the Europa League because it’s a distraction for them, and Thursday night games are going to be a problem. 

“But clearly, there’s a huge opportunity to win the Europa League and get a Champions League place that way as well.”

Villa are favourites to win the Europa League this season after finishing level on points with Lyon at the top of the league phase.

Why Aston Villa are ‘unlucky’ in Premier League title race

Borson insisted Villa would have a chance to win the Premier League if it wasn’t for their injuries and financial restrictions.

“I think they’re unlucky in many ways,” said Borson.

“If they didn’t have the restrictions and didn’t have the injuries, I really think they could win the league. They’re almost the only one of City, Arsenal and themselves who are actually in regularly decent form. 

“I don’t expect them to do more business because I don’t think they particularly can under the rules.

“But I think it’s almost a shame because if they had more freedom and they could invest a bit more heavily, I think they actually do have a real chance this season.”

Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table, but they are level on points with second-place Man City and only four points behind leaders Arsenal after 23 games.

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