Unai Emery has revealed Aston Villa’s Financial Fair Play difficulties were among the factors behind Monchi’s departure from the club.
The pair reunited at Villa Park in 2023 after previously enjoying major success together at Sevilla, where they won three consecutive Europa League titles.
Monchi eventually left Villa in September 2025, and Emery has now provided more detail about the circumstances surrounding that decision.
Villa were forced to sell amid FFP pressure
Speaking to Diario de Sevilla ahead of Aston Villa’s friendly against Sevilla, Emery admitted the club went through a difficult period financially while Monchi was involved.
“We also had some difficulties with Financial Fair Play. So, between one thing and another, he said he wasn’t available,” Emery explained.
“We had to sell, and we had a tough time with everything, figuring out how to fix this, and even then, everything worked out, but it was difficult.”
Emery’s comments do not suggest Villa’s financial position was the sole reason Monchi departed.
The sporting director was also heavily involved with CD San Fernando, a project Emery says Monchi was particularly enthusiastic about. The combination of those commitments and Villa’s financial challenges ultimately contributed to the end of their partnership.
Emery had tried to recruit Monchi before
Their working relationship stretches back to Sevilla, where Emery arrived in 2013 with Monchi already established as sporting director.
After leaving Sevilla for Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, Emery wanted Monchi to join him there. He tried again after becoming Arsenal manager in 2018.
“And then at Arsenal, we even met in London, and I thought he was coming, but he came to Sevilla,” Emery said.
The reunion finally happened at Aston Villa in 2023, with Monchi joining nine months after Emery had taken charge.
Third reunion remains possible
Despite Monchi leaving Villa, there appears to be no damage to their relationship.
“I have a lot of affection for him, and as a professional, I have the utmost respect for him,” Emery said.
“We’ve worked together twice, almost three times, because, well, even at PSG, I always wanted to work with him.”
Villa subsequently brought in Roberto Olabe, another executive Emery had worked with previously.
The Villa manager also refused to close the door on working alongside Monchi again, pointing out how quickly circumstances can change in football.
“Football is very fluid, very changeable,” he said.
For now, their latest partnership is over, but Emery’s comments make clear that Villa’s difficult financial balancing act formed part of the backdrop to Monchi’s departure.
Key Points
- Unai Emery says Aston Villa faced significant FFP difficulties while Monchi was at the club.
- Villa had to sell players as they attempted to manage their financial position.
- Monchi’s involvement with CD San Fernando was another factor behind his departure.
- Emery previously attempted to recruit Monchi at both PSG and Arsenal.
- Emery remains open to potentially working with Monchi again.
What’s Next
Aston Villa are now working with Roberto Olabe in their sporting structure, while Monchi has moved on to other projects.
There is no indication that another Emery-Monchi reunion is currently being considered. However, Emery’s comments show their professional relationship remains intact, leaving open the possibility that they could work together again later in their careers.
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