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Aston Villa must prepare for fan fallout as transfer exit decision emerges on Tim Iroegbunam
Aston Villa must ready themselves for a fan fallout at Villa Park as yet another exciting academy talent Tim Iroegbunam could be on his way out in January.
According to Birmingham Live journalist, John Townley (16 November) writing in his Q&A article, Iroegbunam will likely leave in the winter window, whether that’s a loan or a permanent with a buy-back a decision will yet be made.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Queens Park Rangers last season, featuring in 32 Championship games scoring two goals and there is the belief at Aston Villa that there will be no shortage of interest in his services once the window opens.
Townley wrote: “Iroegbunam will likely leave in January, whether that’s a loan or a permanent with a buy-back we’ll have to see. There will be no shortage of interest in the midfielder after his bright season at QPR.”
Iroegbunam was involved in the matchday squad in the 3-1 win over Luton Town on 29th October and featured for the under-21s in the Football League trophy against Crawley Town in a 3-2 defeat (7 November) making a major impression.
As per SofaScore, the young English talent was sensational off the ball, winning a whopping 16 duels in his 90 minutes of action, recording 73 touches, successfully completed 75% of his passes, recorded two key passes, successfully completed four dribbles and won eight fouls in an eventful and dominant display.
Such a performance meant Iroegbunam could well have been gearing up for first-team chances under Emery but now that looks unlikely with the Villa Park gem now set to follow the likes of Cameron Archer, Aaron Ramsey and Jaden Philogene out the exit door.
Even with buy-back clauses inserted in each of their deals, fans will be raging at this decision given the amount of talent walking away from Aston Villa stardom and now Iroegbunam will be the latest to follow.
The QPR loan was his only real experience of playing senior football on a regular basis and he was able to stand up to the physical test of the second tier with a ground duel success rate of 50% to go along with his multiple interventions each game.
However, with Emery favouring a progressive possession game now at Villa Park, Iroegbunam could use some fine-tuning in that department which another loan or rather a permanent transfer in the Championship could certainly provide him.
With a decision now made on his immediate future at the club, what Aston Villa must ensure is that his next destination is the best route for him and his development in the long-term.
However, it still leaves a sour taste in the fan’s mouths. It’s a shame for fans to see some of their most prestigious talents leave the club which could lead to a bit of fallout.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery must stick with one Villa Park midfield maestro v Spurs on 26 November after his recent international masterclass.