Gregg Evans drops Aston Villa transfer update on Easah Suliman | OneFootball

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has dropped an update on former Aston Villa centre-back Easah Suliman, and it’s news that shines a light on a Suso masterclass.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old left Dean Smith’s side back in January 2020 on a permanent basis for Portuguese side Vitoria, back when Suso was still the club’s sporting director.

And now, while he may have only made a loan move to CD Nacional, there is a bit of news that will catch the eye of Villa fans.

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It said: “The Athletic understands Easah Suliman has decided against a return to the UK and will spend next season on loan at CD Nacional in Portugal.  The 23-year-old centre-back left Aston Villa for Vitoria Guimaraes last January but has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot.

“A number of clubs in both England and Scotland were interested in signing him this summer but Suliman has agreed to drop down a division and spent the season on the island of Madeira.”

And then, writing on Twitter, Evans added: “Former #AVFC centre back Easah Suliman will join CD Nacional on loan from Vitoria. Villa still keeping a close eye on him as they have a 30% sell-on clause.”

Suso masterclass

As is the case with a lot of transfers these days, not everything is just pure cash up front, with various instalments and clauses included to make it easier for the buying club to pay.

One real advantage the selling club can have though in response, is including a sell-on clause, often doing so for rising young talents who may command a small fee now, but could potentially go on to be sold for big money later.

A prime example of that has already been seen at Manchester City this summer, with Manchester United’s move for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho pocketing them over £10m, according to reports, thanks to a sell-on clause they included when the England international made the move to Germany a few years ago.

While Suliman may, and probably will not, ever be sold for such a crazy amount, the fact Suso had the forethought to include a 30% sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Vitoria last year was a real masterclass by him.

The Spanish sporting director may not have got a lot of things right in terms of his recruitment, but he certainly played a blinder with his negotiations in Suliman’s exit.

At 23, the centre-back still remains a very young prospect who was part of England U19s European Championship title-winning year back in 2017, so there’s every chance that he could be sold for a decent amount.

If that happens, Villa stand to make a good chunk of money from it. And that’s thanks to Suso’s work.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece drops Villa claim on Anwar El Ghazi…