UEFA is investigating all player exchanges between Chelsea and Aston Villa to ensure accurate transfer fees, The Times reported on 20/7. This follows UEFA's identification of discrepancies in at least one previous transfer.

The practice of clubs paying substantial fees to each other for players moving in both directions has been observed among some Premier League teams in recent seasons. Some rivals believe these deals artificially inflate transfer revenue to comply with the league's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Earlier this month, UEFA revealed it had already reduced the reported value of at least one such deal involving Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Omari Kellyman was acquired by Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for million but has yet to make an appearance for the London club. *Photo: Chelsea FC*

Both Chelsea and Aston Villa received significant fines from UEFA earlier this month for breaching financial monitoring rules. UEFA stated it reviewed "transactions relating to the exchange of players," which "needed to be adjusted specifically based on the clubs' financial results." The value of at least one transaction involving both clubs has been lowered.

In the summer of 2024, Chelsea signed Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa for approximately $25 million. However, the 19-year-old has not played for the London team. Meanwhile, Chelsea academy product Ian Maatsen moved to Aston Villa for $50 million and made a significant impact with 29 Premier League appearances for the club last season.

Recent reports suggest Chelsea is willing to include players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, or Andrey Santos in deals for Aston Villa players to reduce transfer costs or directly exchange assets. However, no other player exchanges besides the Kellyman-Maatsen deal have been officially confirmed.

As part of their settlement with UEFA after receiving their fines earlier this month, both Chelsea and Aston Villa agreed that breaching this agreement would result in a one-season ban from European competitions.

Ha Phuong (*The Times*)