Aston Villa have received a significant boost ahead of the January transfer window, with their new transfer chief Roberto Olabe finally cleared to begin his role after securing a work permit.
Villa's New Chief Cleared for Action
The Spaniard was appointed as the club's new 'president of football operations' nearly two months ago, tasked with replacing Monchi. However, his official start date was delayed while he awaited the necessary clearance to work in the UK.
Daily Mail Sport now confirms that the work permit has been granted, allowing Olabe to formally step into his position at Villa Park. His arrival is perfectly timed, coming just as the club prepares for the important January transfer window.
Financial Constraints and Transfer Activity
How much business Aston Villa will be able to conduct this winter remains uncertain. The club operated within strict financial limits during the summer transfer window, which significantly restricted their spending power.
As a result, Villa could only pay transfer fees for two players: goalkeeper Marco Bizot and attacker Evann Guessand. They supplemented these signings with several loan deals and free transfers, including defender Victor Lindelof arriving without a fee, and loan moves for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United and Harvey Elliott from Liverpool.
Loan Dilemmas for Key Players
The situation surrounding Harvey Elliott has become a particular point of discussion. The 22-year-old Liverpool loanee has started only twice in all competitions for Villa and hasn't featured at all since October 2.
Both Liverpool and Villa are now exploring potential solutions. However, a mid-season return to Anfield presents a complication. Under FIFA regulations, Elliott would be unable to play for another club this season, having already represented both Villa and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho's loan spell has also proven challenging. While the Manchester United attacker has been included in matchday squads more frequently than Elliott, he is yet to start a Premier League game for Villa, making only four appearances from the substitute's bench.
There have been suggestions that clubs in Turkey could show interest in Sancho during January, though it remains unclear whether the terms of his current loan agreement would permit such a move.
