Former Crystal Palace owner and prominent football pundit Simon Jordan has delivered a frank assessment of Conor Gallagher's impending transfer, while launching a strong critique of the financial regulations he says are unfairly hindering Aston Villa's ambitions.
Jordan's Verdict on Gallagher's Move
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan gave his honest opinion on the €40 million move that will see the 25-year-old midfielder join Tottenham Hotspur from Atletico Madrid. While acknowledging Gallagher's successful loan spell at Crystal Palace, Jordan stopped short of hailing him as a transformative signing for Spurs.
"I think he's OK; he did fantastic at Palace," Jordan stated. "Do I think he's a world-beater? No. Do I think he makes Spurs better? Marginally. Will this catapult Spurs to the levels they require? No."
He then posed a pivotal question, suggesting Gallagher would have been "probably" better off joining Aston Villa, a move that was ultimately scuppered by financial constraints.
The 'Unfair' Financial Handcuff on Villa
Jordan's core argument centred on the financial predicament facing Unai Emery's side. Villa had reportedly hoped to structure a deal involving an initial loan with a view to a permanent transfer next summer. However, their plans were overtaken by Tottenham's urgent need to reinforce their midfield after Rodrigo Bentancur's injury.
Jordan highlighted the significant financial losses posted by the club as the root cause of their inability to compete. "There are challenges that Unai Emery has got, because Villa have £116 million worth of losses in 2023, £50 million of losses in 2024," he explained.
"They've already done a deal with UEFA about the punishments they got after being sanctioned. This is the unfairness of it all. They can't compete," Jordan asserted, emphasising his belief that the rules are holding back a club and a manager operating at a top level.
Contrasting Fortunes of Two Challengers
The pundit drew a direct contrast between the situations at Villa Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He argued that with relaxed regulations, Villa's potential could be fully unlocked.
"They could really knock on some doors. They are in the ascendancy," Jordan said of Villa. "Villa are challenging to keep in the top four. Tottenham are challenging to keep their manager."
This stark comparison underscores Jordan's view that while both clubs face pressures, Villa's are externally imposed by financial compliance, whereas Spurs' are more directly related to on-pitch performance and managerial stability under Thomas Frank.
The conversation has ignited debate among fans regarding the impact of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) on competitive balance, with Villa's case presented by Jordan as a prime example of their restrictive nature.
