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Unai Emery now makes critical Aston Villa decision on Jaden Philogene as new £5m development emerges
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery already looks to have made his decision on Jaden Philogene’s future at the club with Hull City attempting to seal his services.
According to The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, taking to his personal Twitter account (21 August), the Championship outfit are attempting to sign the Villa Park wonder for around £5m.
It is believed Philogene wants more minutes as he continues his rapid development but that doesn’t appear to be in West Midlands with Aston Villa open to his departure on a permanent basis.
However, any deal for the 21-year-old will have to include a buy-back clause with other clubs interested in his services.
Evans tweeted: “Hull City are trying to sign Jaden Philogene for around £5m.
“He wants more minutes so #AVFC are open to letting him leave on a permanent move for the right fee. Any deal will include a buyback option.
“Other clubs are also interested.”
The 21-year-old academy product started all three matches on the club’s pre-season tour to the USA and scored against rivals Fulham in a 2-0 win in the Premier League summer series which will have certainly suggested to the Aston Villa faithful that Emery was set to hand Philogene with opportunities this summer.
While the addition of Moussa Diaby has proven rather fruitful so far, and the addition of Galatasaray forward Nicolo Zaniolo on loan will have certainly placed Philogene unfortunately further down the pecking order.
The youngster’s desire for minutes is perfectly understandable given the tremendous campaign he enjoyed last season at Cardiff.
The Englishman registered five goals and one assist in 38 appearances in all competitions for the Bluebirds while on last season and was named Young Player of the Year in their end-of-season awards ceremony in May.
It wasn’t the only successful loan spell for Philogene in England’s second tier, as a successful half-season loan spell at Stoke City last year prompted Villa to tie down their man before deploying him back to the Championship for more vital experience and that he so elusively picked up as he emerged as one of Cardiff’s bright sparks in an otherwise dour campaign.
Former Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill was full of praise for the young star during his time with the Potters, describing him as a “sharp and dynamic” presence from the wing and that was truly evident through his 55% successful dribbles rate in the Championship last season whilst also excelling in his defensive attributes, winning 50% of his ground duels and averaging an impressive 1.7 tackles per game [SofaScore].
Philogene’s talents and abilities are clear, and it’s shown through Aston Villa’s desire to insert a buy-back clause in any potential transfer but Emery certainly has already made a critical decision regarding his future at Villa Park, and it’s a move which could be best for all parties involved.
In other Aston Villa news, fan expectations will now increase for Emery after another new addition at Villa Park.