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Aston Villa should cash in on Jaden Philogene amid European transfer interest
Aston Villa rising star Jaden Philogene has seen his stock rise significantly while on loan at Cardiff City this season and has several attractive European suitors vying for his trade.
As reported by Football Insider (24 March), the 21-year-old is currently on the wish list of European clubs RC Lens, Anderlecht and Union Berlin after a productive loan spell in the Welsh capital.
With just over 12 months remaining on his contract at Villa Park, the academy graduate is nearing an important crossroads in his career: either stay and fight for a first-team spot under Unai Emery or seal a lucrative deal away where minutes are more guaranteed.
From Aston Villa’s perspective, letting the undoubtedly talented winger move away could outweigh the positives of letting him stew in the reserves in the West Midlands.
If you look across the English Football League, the club have a vast number of academy loanees who are all fighting for a minute number of spaces in the first-team squad.
The fact that prolific striker Cameron Archer was sent packing on another loan spell in January and that Kaine Kesler-Hayden is yet to even feature in a match-day squad since returning in the New Year, highlights just how tough the competition for places is at Aston Villa right now.
And although Philogene has only moved from strength to strength at Cardiff City in recent weeks, quickly becoming one of the most consistent and exciting attacking outlets down the wing, he is still by no means ready for Premier League football.
Philogene’s returns of four goals from 30 outings this term, without an assist, unfortunately won’t cut it with Emery, so a move away from the club would be the most sensible move for both parties this summer.
The England Under-20 international’s versatility, playing on either flank as well as occasionally filling in at central midfield this season, will make him an attractive prospect to clubs across Europe.
If any such transfer interest should arrive for Philogene’s services this summer, Villa should oblige and let the youngster fulfil his potential away from Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, the future of this loanee hangs in the balance as contract talks await.