Gary Rowett thinks surviving is going to be a ‘massive challenge’ for Aston Villa

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Aston Villa signed 12 players over the summer and now they will be looking to showcase their talent on the Premier League stage.

Gary Rowett has honestly stated that despite Aston Villa’s big spending over the summer, it’s going to be a ‘tough season’ staying in the Premier League.

The former Birmingham City manager made it clear that Jack Grealish is going to be pivotal for the club because it will bode well for them if they can get him to ‘fire on all cylinders’

The transfer window slammed shut on Thursday evening, with Villa securing the signatures of 12 players since their promotion to the Premier League.

Speaking to the Debate on Sky Sports Premier League (08/09/2019 at 10:35 pm), Rowett shared his thoughts on Villa’s decision to spend big on a number of players.

“They’ve all gone for, and particularly Villa, not Championship type players, but the best type of players from that level,” Rowett told the Debate. “If you look at the money they have spent on Mings, it’s a lot of money, but he had a great impact last season. I think it was a crucial signing for them.

“But it’s difficult, isn’t it? You are not going to then go and sign a certain type of player because they are not going to come straight away when it’s your first season. So, you have to go and get that type of player that has been there or a player you can attract from the top end of the Championship.

“Jack Grealish is going to be a big one. If they can get Grealish firing on all cylinders, playing the way he can, it’s a big season for him. And, of course, we know what individual ability he has got. But for all those clubs, it’s going to be a tough season. Staying in that division, it’s going to be a massive, massive challenge.”

In truth, Villa had no choice but to sign the number of players that they did because a lot of players did depart the club – most because their contracts expired – after that play-off win against Derby.

Dean Smith, who is known to give youngsters a chance and play forward-thinking football, signed a number of young and hungry players.

Now, they will all be looking forward to showcasing their talents on the big stage, with a clash against Tottenham on Saturday evening awaiting them for their opening Premier League fixture.