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Aston Villa struggles while Spurs invest heavily in transfers

The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 9:00 AM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Aston Villa struggles while Spurs invest heavily in transfers

Summary

Aston Villa is facing challenges as Tottenham Hotspur significantly invests in their squad ahead of the Champions League. Villa, which recently won the Europa League and finished fourth, is reportedly in a deteriorating situation. In contrast, Spurs, fresh from a 17th-place finish that reduced their Premier League merit payments by £35 million compared to Villa, have committed to spending approximately £322 million in this transfer window. Their net spend is reported at £140 million after player sales. Despite this heavy outlay, Spurs encountered a setback after being thrashed in their opening match against Brentford.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•Aston Villa recently won the Europa League and finished fourth.
•Tottenham's 17th-place finish led to £35 million less in merit payments than Villa.
•Spurs have spent an estimated £322 million this transfer window.
•Spurs' net spending is reported at £140 million after player sales.
•Spurs suffered a heavy loss in their first match against Brentford.

Latest Updates

9:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Aston Villa’s squad is crumbling while Spurs splash out. Are the financial rules fair?

What they're saying

"
Winning the Europa League and finishing fourth did not inoculate Villa and Spurs were not hampered by a season of woe In theory Aston Villa supporters should have been rubbing their hands together at the prospect of a Champions League season. Equally, Tottenham fans could have been despondent after a relegation battle that went to the wire. A 17th-place finish meant Spurs earned about £35m less in Premier League merit payments, which are based on final league position, than Villa. Yet the mood in the two camps is reversed. Spurs have spent an estimated £322m in the transfer window, and that excludes the loan of Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, for whom they are committed to paying £55m after this season. Sales have reduced the outlay to a net £140m, but Spurs fans seemed buoyant, at least until the first match, when they were soundly thrashed by one of the data scientists’ teacher’s pets, Brentford. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Kieran Maguire

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Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur Champions League Soccer