Aston Villa Academy: Josh Feeney has ‘huge future’ after signing new Nike deal
Aston Villa 17-year-old Josh Feeney has signed a new deal with Nike and should be destined for great things in the West Midlands following glowing reports from former manager Steven Gerrard.
The highly-rated defender, who doesn’t turn 18 till next month, was handed his first senior appearances in friendlies against Walsall and Leeds United by Gerrard and seems to be going from strength to strength this season.
The Englishman has recently signed an agreement with footwear giant Nike for his sponsorship – as he posted on his Twitter account – and could seemingly be the next superstar to appear out of Villa’s ever-blossoming academy.
Villa signed the starlet from Fleetwood Town back in July 2021, and since then, he has asserted himself as a regular in the Under-21s side.
He has also captained England at youth level and represented his country at Under-18s level.
His form in the early stages of the season was rewarded by being included in Villa’s match-day squad on four occasions and, most recently, against Bolton in the League Cup.
On the talented youngster, ex-Villa boss Gerrard told Birmingham Live in pre-season: “He’s come into an adult environment, he’s still a minor. He’s been professional and his training level has been top. He’s got a huge future. We’re going to develop him and shape him and polish him up.
“He’s a very humble boy. His family have done an incredible job bringing him up in the manner they have. He’s been a joy to be around for the couple of weeks and he’ll have many more opportunities to be around this group.
“It’ll be a matter of time before he makes his debut for Aston Villa. That’s my opinion, but what I would say is that Josh has got it all to do now. This is the start for him and I hope that this trip gives him a taste of what it’s like, the level, and I hope it makes him hungry to push on.”
With the likes of Cameron Archer, Kain Kesler-Hayden and Aaron Ramsey all bursting onto the scene at respective youth levels, Villa’s academy seems to be brimming with talent – but managing these youngsters must be the club’s next major priority.
The club pinned Feeney down to a first professional contract in the summer, and academy manager Mark Harrison should work his utmost to keep these starlets away from the clutches of the big-six clubs in the Premier League.
In other news, View: Aston Villa should swoop on Marcus Thuram after transfer admission.