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Steven Gerrard is still causing Aston Villa problems despite leaving the club back in 2022.

The summer has got off to a flying start at Aston Villa, as Unai Emery and Monchi have welcomed seven players to the squad. 

Amadou Onana became the latest recruit after signing from Everton earlier this week, with plenty more activity expected before deadline day.

Despite being in a strong position based on welcoming quality reinforcements ahead of next season, Monchi and Emery still have a lot of work to do when it comes to a rebuild.

Steven Gerrard caused a big problem for Aston Villa when he was manager

In an abstract way, Villa fans will be thankful for Steven Gerrard’s mishaps at the club as his errors led the side to Emery. 

Before the Spaniard took charge, Gerrard attempted to improve things at Villa Park however, was unable to, seeing him dismissed at the start of the 2022/23 campaign as Villa hit relegation form.

The Englishman completed seven permanent transfers during his time at the helm in Birmingham, with the high point undoubtedly being the free capture of Boubacar Kamara. 

Aside from signing the Frenchman, the former Liverpool star’s signings had a running theme, all being slightly past their sell-by date and requiring hefty wages.

The likes of Lucas Digne and Diego Carlos have played roles in Emery’s squad since the ex-Arsenal boss’ arrival however, the others are causing the manager and Monchi some real problems.

Unai Emery and Monchi have a huge task on their hands

A significant part of Villa’s concerns relating to PSR were to do with the extortionate wage bill that the club have.

As seen in the table above, Gerrard’s signings have added a lot to the wage bill yet simultaneously, aren’t players that Emery and Monchi could go on to offload for profit.

The Englishman signed older players on longer contracts with high salaries, making them difficult to part ways with as other clubs will turn their nose up at possible contract demands.

It’s an error by Gerrard that will be incredibly difficult for Emery and Monchi to correct, particularly as the duo hope to rebuild the squad in the near future.

Due to PSR being in place, the club can’t simply offload players with no profit, with new signings not able to be invested in if the books aren’t able to be balanced.

It will be interesting to see how Monchi and Emery approach the issue surrounding Gerrard’s transfer activity when he was in charge, with the Englishman’s blunders only an indication to the club’s recent development.

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