Tyrone Mings has hinted that fans are unaware of many details after joining captain John McGinn in posting enigmatic remarks about Aston Villa’s £39million transfer of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle.

Newcastle announced Ramsey’s acquisition on Sunday, following a 0-0 tie between the two teams during their Premier League season opener.

Having been with Aston Villa since he was six, Ramsey’s transfer was influenced by the club’s financial status in relation to UEFA expenditure regulations, making his sale, as a product of their academy, crucial.

In July, Villa faced a £9.5m fine for violating UEFA financial regulations. Starting in 2025, clubs participating in European competitions can allocate only 70 per cent of their income towards player-related expenses like wages.

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

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’.

Mings’ remarks mirrored those of Aston Villa captain John McGinn, who seemingly criticized the increasing trend of selling homegrown players to meet football’s economic guidelines.

‘Always humble, respectful, and eager to learn. It was an honor to share the locker room with you and create memorable moments on the field,’ McGinn expressed.

‘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.

‘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.

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!!’