Jaden Philogene not giving up on Aston Villa future without a fight after Cardiff City stellar form
Jaden Philogene isn’t willing to give up on his Aston Villa future without a fight, scoring his fifth goal of the season in Cardiff City’s 3-2 defeat to Swansea on Saturday (1 April).
The 21-year-old winger runs out of contract at Villa Park in June 2024 and has been the subject of interest from European clubs RC Lens, Anderlecht and Union Berlin, according to Football Insider (24 March).
However, with Unai Emery’s current wide options, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore failing to meet his exacting standards in recent weeks, a small lifeline remains intact for the Cardiff City loanee.
Philogene has been central to the Bluebirds’ survival hopes in the Championship season this season, and with the club currently sitting in 21st in the table, they have Philogene to thank for any hope of survival this campaign.
The young winger has made 32 appearances for Cardiff this term, scoring five times for the club, including four times in the league.
Although the attacker was only used in a bit-part role during the club’s early season struggles under Mark Hudson and failed to make a single 90-minute appearance until the 2-1 defeat to Watford on 2 November, Philogene has totally transformed his fortunes in recent months.
The England Under-20 international’s lightning-quick feet, rapid pace and sky-high confidence have resulted in Philogene playing 90 minutes in six straight Championship games under new manager Sabri Lamouchi.
What will please Emery even more, is the youngster’s ability to be deployed on either flank without fuss and his success when being drafted into a central-midfield role this season.
With Bailey and Traore flattering to deceive since Emery’s arrival at Villa Park in October, Philogene may have realised he has a significant chance of forcing his way into the first-team plans if he continues to thrive at Cardiff City.
The loanee is currently fighting for his Aston Villa future and seems reluctant to give up on the small opportunity of a Villa Park future.
In other Aston Villa news, a first-team player is expected to return after the international break with a protective brace after what happened in 2023.