Financial rules have killed Villa - Konsa

Konsa was sent off in Villas opening game of the 2025-26 season against Newcastle United

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa says financial restrictions "killed" the club in the summer transfer window.

Villas only major permanent transfer came early in August when they signed striker Evann Guessand from Nice for £26m and £4.3m in add-ons.

They then sold academy product Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £40m before only adding to manager Unai Emerys squad on transfer deadline day.

They brought in Liverpools Harvey Elliott and Manchester Uniteds Jadon Sancho on loan, plus free agent Victor Lindelof, as they navigated limits on spending.

Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the European governing bodys financial rules and could have been prevented from registering new players for the Europa League this season if they did not have a positive transfer balance by the end of the summer transfer window.

On top of that, the Birmingham club, like their top-flight counterparts, also have to adhere to profit and sustainability rules (PSR) which state that clubs cannot post losses of more than £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.

"It is crazy. I dont understand it myself, but from the outside looking in it doesnt look too good. I know that. I know its really killed us this transfer window," said Konsa, who is on international duty with England.

Villa were sixth in the Premier League last season as they missed out on fifth spot and Champions League qualification by finishing below Newcastle United on goal difference.

According to FootballTransfers.com, Villa had the third lowest outlay in the top-flight this summer as they spent £57.5m and recouped £47m to end with a £10.5m surplus.

"Were going to have to deal with what weve got now," said Konsa.

"I definitely didnt watch that [transfer deadline day]. Its been tough, especially for us.

"I knew that signing players was going to be difficult for us so I did not look at transfer deadline day.

"Around eight oclock I went on Villas social media to see what happened. I saw that we signed three players, who are really good and have Premier League experience.

"I think thats what we needed as well."

Villa have gained just one point - which came from a goalless draw against Newcastle - from their first three games of this season.

Konsa is hopeful they can turn their fortunes around after the international break.

"Weve a great squad, I believe in our squad. I believe in our manager," he said.

"Hopefully the boys who have come in can really help us and push us on."