Revealed: What John McGinn says about Tim Iroegbunam at Aston Villa amid uncertain future at Villa Park
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park.
Alan Hutton says John McGinn has personally told him he has been “impressed” by Tim Iroegbunam amid reports the youngster is close to leaving Aston Villa.
Iroegbunam joined Villa’s academy from neighbours West Brom in July 2022 and has made four senior appearances to date, including a late outing in the 3-2 Premier League loss to Manchester United last month.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers and, according to The Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop, he is wanted by the West London side again this month.
Witcoop posted on his personal Twitter page [22 December] that Villa are more open to a permanent exit for Iroegbunam at this stage, rather than another loan move.
Hutton warned Villa they may regret letting the young talent leave Villa Park permanently, but he understands the decision.
“He’s been in and around the squad for a while now,” Hutton told Villa News. “I spoke to John McGinn about him a little while ago and he was impressed by him.
“But it’s difficult to break into that team, especially when they’re flying high.
“We’ve seen it a few times where a player I thought might have gone out on loan have actually been sold and done well, so it’ll be an interesting one to see how they approach this.
“Ultimately, you want to see a pathway for your young talent coming through to the first team.
“At this moment in time, there may not be so many, but they’ll still be enhancing a career by sending them to the Championship. So I don’t see this one being a bad move.”
In other Aston Villa news, Ollie Watkins is now above and beyond as the Premier League’s number one in a certain area.