Club chief admits Aston Villa have offered key man an ‘astronomical salary’
Mateu Alemany has been offered an ‘astronomical salary’ at Aston Villa with the Barcelona director on his way to the Premier League outfit.
That is according to Eduard Romeo; the economic vice-president of the La Liga leaders speaking to L’Esportiu about the future of a man who has spent the last three years at the Camp Nou.
Mateu Alemany, one of the most highly-rated directors in European football, has worked wonders at a Barcelona side who have been almost totally transformed over the last 18 months or so; the former Valencia chief constructing a title-winning side despite crushing financial pressures.
According to The Athletic, Alemany is leaving Barcelona ahead of a fresh start at Villa Park.
And Romeo expects to see the experienced Spaniard replicate his Barca success in the Midlands, especially after being handed a ‘blank chequebook’ by an ambitious, deep-pocketed Aston Villa ownership.
Barcelona boss Mateu Alemany has big plans at Aston Villa
“Mateu could not say no,” Romeo explains.
“They put an astronomical salary on the table. And, on top of that, they give him a blank chequebook. It’s very hard to say no.”
The Athletic add that Alemany is already eyeing up a deal that could see multi-Champions League winner Marco Asensio arrive at Aston Villa from Real Madrid.
Barcelona benchwarmer Ferran Torres has been linked too. Villa, under former Villarreal, Sevilla and Valencia coach Unai Emery, are also reportedly looking at Samu Chukwueze, Pau Torres and Nico Williams. Las Palmas’ so-called ‘new Pedri’ Alberto Moleiro too.
“Mateu is a phenomenon,” Romeo adds. “He has done a great job. I got along very well (with him). I don’t understand football at all, but he used to speak my language. (His departure) is very bad news for us.
“I would like to be able to offer him a blank cheque, although the regulations wouldn’t allow us. In the Premier League, they are more flexible. I am convinced that he will create a team that will make a big splash.”
