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Jaden Philogene faces uncertain future at Aston Villa despite recent Championship form
Jaden Philogene may face an uncertain future at Aston Villa in the summer as his fluctuating form on loan at Cardiff City continues to raise more questions rather than solve answers.
The 21-year-old winger was on hand to net his third goal of the season in the Welsh capital last weekend, as the Bluebirds ran away 2-0 victors over Bristol City.
The Villa academy star was a danger all afternoon, using his speed and trickery to cause the Robins’ defence problems all afternoon and once again highlight why Aston Villa offered the youngster a new contract at Villa Park last summer.
This follows his resurgence under new manager Sabri Lamouchi which has seen Philogene start the last seven matches and even be converted into an attacking wing-back in recent weeks.
Despite Philogene’s electric performance last weekend, these have been few and far between this season, with the attacker yet to record an assist and netting just three goals from over 1450 Championship minutes.
After impressing on loan with Stoke City in the Championship last season, the England Under-20 international, unfortunately, hasn’t been able to kick on to new heights since securing his move with Cardiff this term.
The Championship outfit have had a turbulent few months – which is unlikely to have helped Philogene’s chances of impressing the Villa hierarchy – with manager Steve Morrison being sacked and the club continually fighting to stay above the relegation zone.
According to Birmingham Live [14 February], the Cardiff City loanee could be allowed to leave Villa Park in the summer “for the right price”, with Unai Emery expected to bolster his attacking ranks with at least one winger or attacking midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.
With the likes of Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey, Philippe Coutinho and Bertrand Traore all currently filling the winger role in Emery’s squad, several roadblocks remain between Philogene and first-team football in the West Midlands.
The Aston Villa hierarchy will be all too well aware that keeping Philogene at the club beyond this season may come at a detriment to his market value.
First-team minutes under Emery are likely to be scarce after a summer rebuild, and dropping back into the academy ranks won’t do the Cardiff loanee’s development any good whatsoever.
A summer exit could be the best solution to both parties’ needs, it seems.
In other Aston Villa news, the club has been tipped to sign a new striker to aid their bid to return to European football.