Aston Villa’s PSR struggles could force sale of Youri Tielemans amid Atletico Madrid ‘growing interest’

Aston Villa could lose star midfielder Youri Tielemans, with reports claiming Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are prepared to test their resolve with a substantial bid.

With two years remaining on a contract set to expire in 2027, the Villans may soon face a serious decision if the Mattress Makers follow through on their interest in strengthening their midfield with Tielemans’s proven quality.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico are reportedly ready to table an offer worth €35m (£30m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in performance-related add-ons, a package that could prove difficult for Villa to turn down amid their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) issues.

Tielemans, who arrived at Villa Park on a free transfer in 2023 following the expiry of his Leicester City deal, has been one of the club’s biggest bargains, establishing himself as a key figure under Unai Emery.

The Belgian was voted both Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season for 2024-25, recognition for his influential performances during a campaign that saw Villa reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

Aston Villa’s PSR pressures may force their hand if Atletico put in a bid

Villa remain under pressure to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, which limit losses over a three-year cycle and carry the risk of financial penalties or even points deductions.

The Villans’ ambitious investment in transfers and wages has left little room for manoeuvre, prompting the club to consider high-value sales to balance their accounts ahead of forthcoming financial reviews.

Two months ago, UEFA fined Villa for breaching Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations and warned of competitive restrictions unless they achieved a positive transfer balance before the end of the window.

While they might have wriggled through this time, Villa remain uncomfortably close to the threshold, and cashing in on a prized asset like Tielemans could provide vital funds to ease mounting PSR concerns.

Youri Tielemans and Aston Villa aim to recover from difficult start

With the transfer window now closed, any move for Tielemans cannot happen until January, allowing focus to return to performances and results in the coming months.

Villa will hope the Belgian midfielder can spark a turnaround after the international break, having collected just a single point from their first three Premier League fixtures.

Emery’s men opened with a goalless draw against Newcastle United despite playing over 20 minutes with 10 men, but they have since suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brentford and a 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace.

Tielemans has played every minute of the campaign so far without registering a goal contribution, but Villa will take encouragement from his recent brace for Belgium against Liechtenstein as they look to climb the table.