Aston Villa close in on deals to sign Rory Wilson and Ewan Simpson
By Andrew Maddox.
Aston Villa are closing in on two new transfers for their academy, with Rory Wilson and Ewan Simpson set to leave Scotland for the midlands.
According to Scottish journalist Barry Anderson, Steven Gerrard has made his move to sign Rangers forward, Wilson and Hearts sensation, Simpson.
The Rangers starlet scored an unbelievable 49 goals at youth level for club and country, and is set to make a £300,000 move south of the border to Villa.
Wilson has already announced his exit from Rangers, confirming the news back in May, stating that he “will probably be going down south.”
Anderson has reported on his personal Twitter account that the Villans are closing in on a double deal for their academy, with only development fees due to be paid.
“Rory Wilson from Rangers to Aston Villa is progressing,” he wrote. “Wilson (16) scored 49 goals at youth level this season for Rangers and Scotland. Rangers due a £300,000 development fee.
“Villa also close to signing Ewan Simpson (15) from Hearts in a £250,000 transfer.”
Simpson was a key figure in Hearts’ run to the Scottish Youth Cup final in 2022, despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Gerrard has already snapped up one of Scotland’s brightest rising stars after signing former Dundee United defender Kerr Smith in January.
Villa’s youth recruitment explained
Since Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens bought Aston Villa in 2019, the club has completely overhauled its academy.
Mark Harrison was appointed as Academy Manager in 2019 and sought to reduce the age of the club’s Under-23 side.
The likes of Callum O’Hare, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Mitch Clark were all moved on and Harrison turned to recruit younger players to replace them.
His first high-profile signing was Louie Barry from Barcelona, who knew Harrison from their time at West Brom together.
He repeatedly raided The Baggies, bringing in the likes of Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz from their local rivals.
Harrison’s philosophy paid off, with Villa winning the FA Youth Cup in 2021. Many of Villa’s youth stars have progressed to first team football, either at the club or out on loan.
Gerrard has brought a similar philosophy with him to Villa, using his extensive knowledge of the Scottish game to lure some of their brightest stars to Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Aston Villa receive a response after contact was made with Tammy Abraham’s team for a potential move.