Aston Villa were only hours away from breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, a club official has confirmed.
Unai Emery impressively kept the West Midlands outfit in the top four of the standings for much of 2023-24 before sealing their place in the Champions League.
However, rather than enjoy a summer where they could target more high-profile signings, Villa first had to ensure they complied with the financial regulations.
By close of business last Friday, six players earmarked for the first team had been signed with a similar number having been sold, several of which were homegrown talent.
That subsequently proved pivotal as Villa stayed within their boundaries, yet it was the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus in June which was the most important.
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"There was a bomb with a countdown"
The Brazil international linked up with Thiago Motta's new-look Juventus side with Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling Junior moving in the opposite direction.
Villa and their Serie A counterparts finalised the unusual deal on June 30, the deadline for the 2023-24 accounts to be filed and what would determine whether they faced a points deduction at a later date.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, director of football operations Damian Vidagany revealed the tension that was occurring behind the scenes at the West Midlands outfit.
Vidagany said: "We found ourselves in a situation where we had make an important profit to avoid being in breach with the PSR. It was very challenging.
"Everybody was cheering and celebrating the Champions League, but Monchi and I were at the party thinking how we could avoid a points deduction that would have spoiled a wonderful season. There was a bomb with the countdown, and we were there to cut the cable. We arrived at the last second with this problem.
He added: "From May 20 until June 30 is normally the holiday period for everyone in football, but for us it was a very difficult moment.
"It's not just about selling players who will ensure you make a profit. At the same time you have to sell the players that Unai Emery believes are not crucial for the team."
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Villa defy struggles to make bright start
Despite that drama and with a much-changed squad at his disposal, Emery has guided Villa to six points from their opening three Premier League fixtures.
That said, they have achieved those results without the presence of the aforementioned Barrenechea and Iling-Junior, who were loaned to Valencia and Bologna respectively.
Darren Plant
