Young Lions Watch: Two Aston Villa starlets head out on League One loans
Aston Villa have confirmed that Viljami Sinisalo and Finn Azaz have secured loan moves to League One clubs for next season.
The news comes just days after the pair took part in Villa’s pre-season opener against Walsall, with Sinisalo being the only player to complete the full 90 minutes.
Villa announced the moves on Monday evening (11 July) via their website, also confirming that Azaz signed a new contract before heading out on loan.
Sinisalo has joined Burton Albion as expected, while Azaz will head to the south coast and link up with Plymouth Argyle.
The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reported that Sinisalo would join Burton on Monday morning (11 July), but the move for Azaz came out of the blue.
Will anyone else join them?
Villa have a whole host of academy players that are in need of senior minutes next season, with most likely to leave on loan.
Kaine Kesler Hayden is a possibility to leave this summer, likely to a Championship club after his success at MK Dons last season.
Louie Barry could join Sinisalo and Azaz in League One after finding fitness and form at Swindon Town in the second half of last season.
Seb Revan and Arjan Raikhy could also be heading to League Two clubs after the pair contributed to Grimsby Town’s promotion from the National League last season.
One man who could head to non-league is Brad Young after the striker disappointed on loan at League Two relegation candidates Carlisle United last season.
A clutch of players could also leave in January, with Tommi O’Reilly and Josh Feeney expected to be among them.
Teddy Rowe is also expected to head out on loan either this summer or in January, although it is unclear what level he is heading to.
These are exciting times for Villa’s young stars as the club continues to cultivate one of the strongest groups of youngsters in the country.
In other Aston Villa news, Cameron Archer has been told how to force his way into Steven Gerrard’s plans this season.