Villa Stars Cryptic After £39m Ramsey Sale to Newcastle

Tyrone Mings has claimed fans 'don't know the half' as he joined captain John McGinn in sharing cryptic messages following Aston Villa 's £39million sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle.

Newcastle confirmed the signing of Ramsey on Sunday, one day after the two sides had played out a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the Premier League season.

Ramsey had been at Aston Villa since the age of six but the club's financial position with regards UEFA spending rules meant his sale, as an academy graduate, was necessary.

Mail Sport reported last week that the sale is unlikely to boost Villa's position in the market, with the summer window due to close on September 1.

In July, Villa were fined £9.5m for breaching UEFA's financial rules. From 2025, clubs involved in European competition will be allowed to spend only 70 per cent of their revenues on player-related costs, such as salaries.

In UEFA's latest analysis, Villa were found to have a 'squad cost ratio' of between 80 and 90 per cent.

Tyrone Mings joined captain John McGinn in making a cryptic post after Jacob Ramsey's sale

Mings claimed fans 'don't know the half' when reacting to Aston Villa's farewell message

McGinn appeared to make a swipe at financial rules necessitating the sale of homegrown stars

Mings was quick to appeal to Aston Villa supporters over Ramsey's move to a Premier League rival.

In a message on Instagram, Mings wrote: 'Don't wanna hear any bad words or anything negative on his name. You don't know the half.'

Mings added in a separate post to Ramsey: 'Til the bitter end little bro. Go smash it'.

His comments followed a similar message shared by Aston Villa captain John McGinn, which appeared to have aimed a dig at how the sale of homegrown players has become common in the game to help club's to comply with football's financial rules.

'Always humble, respectful and willing to learn. It's been a privilege to share the dressing room with you and enjoy some special moments together on the pitch,' McGinn wrote.

'A sad day losing a top player and person and one of our own but it seems to be the way football is set up these days!'

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery had been quizzed about financial rules restricting the club's business in the transfer market, with the £28m arrival of striker Evann Guessand their only major signing so far this summer.

'No, I'm not frustrated. I accept the rules, I accept where we are and how we are competing and how we are being ambitious in our capacity to compete with the better teams in the Premier League and in Europe,' said Emery.

Newcastle confirmed the signing of Jacob Ramsey in a £39m deal on Sunday afternoon

The midfielder became Newcastle's fourth summer signing after signing a long-term deal

'I think you have to be proud of everything we are doing.

'But of course, everything we did for me is done now, we have to do it again and again and again and it's starting again for me to beat these teams and to build, through the result, good performances and try to get our title we have.'

Ramsey had progressed through Villa's academy before making his senior debut in 2019.

He went on to make 167 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 17 goals.

Speaking to Newcastle's club website after his move, Ramsey said: 'I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started.

'This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.

'It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle - the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now.'

Ramsey also paid farewell to Villa fans in a lengthy post on Instagram.

Ramsey issued a lengthy message to Aston Villa supporters following his departure

He wrote: 'It's impossible to put into words what playing for Aston Villa has meant to me. From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it.

'This club has been an extended family to me, and I've got memories for life - from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park and scoring my first goals in those competitions.

'To everyone at Aston Villa, both at the academy and in the first team, thank you for your support, belief and guidance. You've helped me become the person and player I am today. I've played with some of the best & made friends for life.

'And finally to the fans - thank you for the love and backing. To represent you, as a boy from Birmingham, has been an absolute honour.'

'Onto the next chapter now, but wish you all nothing but the best in the future. Thank you for everything!!'