Aston Villa boss Unai Emery handed George Hemmings his first senior start for the club in their UEFA Europa League match against RB Salzburg on January 29.
The 18-year-old midfielder became the fourth youngest player to start a major European game for Aston Villa. In fact, this put Hemmings in the list alongside players like Gareth Barry, Nathan Delfouneso, and Mark Walters.
From Nottingham Forest to Villa Park
Signed from Nottingham Forest in January 2024, Hemmings has impressed coaches with his technical quality. He is a versatile midfielder, comfortable operating as a deep-lying, box-to-box, or attacking presence.
As an England Under-18 international, he brought experience from the UEFA Youth League to the pitch, and it showed against Salzburg.
Throughout the first half, Hemmings won his duels and moved the ball smoothly despite the high tempo of the match. He was substituted at half-time, but his performance left a sense of positivity regarding his future.
How Villa use youth players to follow PSR rules
Hemmings’ first start for Villa is a perfect example of how the club is run under Unai Emery. Since the head coach’s arrival, young players have been trusted and developed. This is the result of full backing from the board, who focus on growing talent while remaining smart with buying and selling players.
The Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) require clubs to be careful with their financial decisions, and Villa have found a smart way to navigate them.
By promoting academy players, the club saves on spending big. Furthermore, these players can provide PSR-compliant income if they are eventually sold.
Learning from the Kellyman and Iroegbunam deals
Recent events show how well this plan is working for Villa. Omari Kellyman’s move to Chelsea for £19 million and Tim Iroegbunam’s sale to Everton for a reported fee of £9 million gave Villa room to reinvest while also staying within PSR limits.
Those deals were part of a system designed to protect the club’s financial health while keeping the squad competitive. Hemmings could be the next name in line. He signed a new contract in May 2025 because he is seen as a player for the long-term.
How youth players are adding value to the squad
The game against Salzburg was so exciting that it made Hemmings’ debut feel even more important. Villa came from two goals down to win 3-2, with substitute Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scoring the late winner after an assist from Kadan Young. The comeback buoyed them on to a second place in the league phase.
Crucially, the night showed that Aston Villa’s pathway is real. From Bodymoor Heath to the European stage, players are being valued. Under Emery, investing in youth is a plan that makes football and PSR sense.