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Aston Villa are forming transfer plan as Monchi identifies 'talent breeding ground'
Aston Villa president of football operations Monchi has divulged the club's transfer process as they prepare for the January window, in which the Lions could strengthen their squad. Villa conducted a busy summer in which Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Jaden Philogene were among the biggest deals the club completed, while they sold Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz.
Villa have had to be careful not to breach PSR in recent windows but they could dip back into the market in the winter to replenish their squad, which is currently fighting on fronts domestic and European and will begin their FA Cup campaign at the beginning of next year.
Monchi, who arrived with Unai Emery two years ago, has revealed how he breaks down his scouting system, which identifies players from around the world based on specific criteria, and how they shave down their options before they land on their desired target.
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“I plan the transfer market with a scouting department and a data department. Data is important but not infallible," Monchi told Ole. "We have to shorten the time taken to make decisions and reduce the margin of error. We oversee approximately 32 championships divided into three levels (class A, B and C). Argentina is class A.
“The coach chooses the profiles he needs, not the names. We select a list, we refine it to around 15 players and at that stage I sit down with Emery and we choose four or five. With those I start to negotiate to see conditions, salary, possibility of leaving, etc. From there the chosen one finally comes out.
“Money opens up opportunities but it doesn’t bring you success. Aston Villa have invested a lot but they are also one of the biggest earners. We reinvested what we had generated, but we are still a long way from the clubs that dominate English football.”
Monchi also identified Argentina as a country which is constantly churning out talented players. Villa have Emi Martinez, Emi Buendia and Enzo Barrenchea on their books and it's plausible that more could follow them to Villa Park.
“I am obviously convinced that there will be,” he added. “Argentine football is a breeding ground for talent, we closely monitor the championship. I don’t know if in the next transfer market, but they will continue to be part of our club, for sure.”
