Aston Villa Academy miles ahead as youth internationals pick Villa Park ahead of Man City
Aston Villa’s youth academy has proven to be miles ahead in the capture of two promising youth internationals with the news that Cole Brannigan and Callum Moreland are set to move to the club from Northern Irish side, Linfield.
It appears to be a coup for the setup at Bodymoor Heath after the Belfast Telegraph stated that Villa beat off competition from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leeds United in relation to the signings.
The two players, both 16, are existing youth internationals for Northern Ireland with high hopes that they can progress all the way through to Michael O’Neill’s senior squad in the coming years.
Brannigan is an attacking midfielder who can also play wide and was linked to Manchester City, whilst Moreland is a central defender with the added asset of being left-sided.
Although no fees have been detailed at this point, it has been said that Linfield will get a ‘significant’ sum for both youngsters, with further incentives based on their future progress.
From a Villa perspective, these signings provide encouragement that the scouting system is working throughout the UK, especially when other top Premier League clubs are vying for the same talent.
The two lads will take comfort from each other’s company as they make the move to Aston Villa this week, looking to follow in the footsteps of Jacob Ramsey by making the jump to senior level.
It is of course, far too early to be talking about them in terms of the first team at Villa Park but in the near future there will be plenty of scope and opportunity to establish themselves and push, as well as to stake their claim at international level.
In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.