Dr. Tony Xia paid around $90 million to buy Aston Villa, and he’s willing to spend nearly the same amount this summer on transfers.
With the Villans relegated to the Championship, Xia wants a quick return to the Premier League, saying he will give his new manager a budget of up to $75 million to spend on transfers.
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Currently without a manager, reports have tabbed former Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo and former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson as favorites to take the job.
Speaking to the BBC, Xia said he plans on announcing a new manager in two weeks time, acknowledging his interest in di Matteo.Roberto was one of the choices. He has been very good in the Championship and he did very well in the Premier League.
We have other good choices. I think we will get the right one in two weeks.
I think there is a lot of potential for Villa to be promoted very soon. They have a very good academy and facilities and a very good fanbase, which can attract a lot of people.
If we can get the right team to work with we can get on the right track and I hope we can achieve it one year.
Di Matteo took charge of Chelsea in 2012 on an interim basis after Andre Villas-Boas was fired. He was rewarded with a two-year deal after leading the club to an FA Cup and Champions League title in his first few months on the job, but he was sacked less than halfway through the next season.
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Xia has quite the job ahead of him, as Aston Villa’s off-the-pitch issues are as big of a worry as their on-the-field problems. He’ll have to make sure he spends his money wisely, but his willingness to spend is already good sign for Villa supporters.
