This huge trade swap makes perfect sense for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
As Premier League clubs attempt to navigate the Premier League’s complex profit and sustainability rules (PSR) once more this summer, a recurring theme from last year may continue.
Bold transfer swap deals became fairly popular ahead of the 2024/25 season as clubs around the division sought the best solutions to cope with PSR difficulties. There is no definitive loophole, but teams learnt that purchasing and selling players to one another in a non-official swap agreement was an effective workaround.
Take Villa’s selling of Tim Iroegbunam to Everton as an example. The Villans let their academy product to go for Goodison Park for £9 million, while Toffees winger Lewis Dobbin moved in the opposite direction for £10 million. Then there was Nottingham Forest’s £35 million signing of Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson, which resulted with fringe custodian Odysseas Vlachodimos leaving for £20 million.
Anderson is likely the only one of the four transactions that has provided any tangible value in the aftermath. Many of the transfers, including the ones described, were clearly carried out solely for PSR purposes. Even if they were a touch questionable, they were still within the rules.
So, which such agreements could go place this summer? Birmingham World has been looking at Premier League squads and believes there’s one transfer, albeit a little out of the ordinary, that could benefit all parties concerned.
The Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest swap deal that weirdly makes sense
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Villa and Forest are anticipated to be forced into sales before the PSR deadline of June 30. It feels unfair because both clubs have qualified for European football – the Europa League and the Europa Conference League, respectively – but the reality is that the laws favour the so-called ‘big six’.
Villa might sacrifice Enzo Barrenechea, as well as numerous other periphery players like as Emiliano Buendia and Kosta Nedeljkovic. The defensive midfielder came from Juventus last summer, paradoxically as part of a PSR-aiding swap deal involving Douglas Luiz, and impressed on loan at Valencia last season.
Forest might be a fantastic fit for Barrenechea, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side needs to improve their midfield depth and skill ahead of their first European trip in 30 years. Barrenechea, a defensive-minded playmaker, might fill in at the bottom of Nuno’s diamond. Ibrahim Sangare has shown glimpses of potential in that position but has battled for consistency, thus Barrenechea could be an excellent replacement.
So, who could move in the other direction? As surprising as it may seem, Callum Hudson-Odoi might be a strong candidate. We know what you’re thinking: why would Forest sell one of their top wingers? That’s an understandable notion, and one we’ve had as well, but Hudson-Odoi is entering the final year of his contract and, according to Birmingham World, was once on Villa’s radar.
Unai Emery is looking for a new versatile forward this summer, and Hudson-Odoi, who can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, might fill several roles. The 24-year-old is speedy, a strong ball carrier, and an excellent crosser. The former Chelsea player, who has represented England three times, might be a viable replacement for Marcus Rashford, who will no longer be joining Manchester United on permanent terms.
Given Hudson-Odoi’s prominence, Forest will most likely seek a sizable sum. In 31 Premier League games in 2024/25, the winger scored five goals and assisted three times, accounting for 64% of his available minutes.
Last summer, Hudson-Odoi was linked with a move to Manchester United for a cost of around £40 million. Forest will have less of a negotiating advantage this summer due to the winger’s short contract term, but Villa will still need to pay a reasonable fee.
To make it work, Villa could give Barrenechea plus cash, say £15 million, and make up the difference by selling players like Buendia and Nedeljkovic. Or, in true 2024 style, Villa might sign Hudson-Odoi for £30 million and sell Barrenechea to Forest for £15 million in two separate transactions.
Villa would then need to increase sales to meet PSR, which is likely. Can you see this crazy exchange happening, or are we going insane? Please let us know in the comments section below.
