Aston Villa former employee shocked at what he’s seen at West Brom after Keilan Quinn transfer
Aston Villa are simply moving in early in their pursuit of West Brom talent, according to former Villa Park scout Bryan King.
The verdict comes after Keilan Quinn became the latest youngster to move from the Baggies to Villa, joining for £1million.
He joins the likes of Finn Azaz, Tim Iroegbunam and Rico Richards in making such a switch in recent times.
When asked if West Brom can prevent Aston Villa from such recruitment, King told Villa News: “Unless the people are on long-term contracts, it points to the issue of how long their contracts are, do they run out in the summer? So Villa have moved early and gone after them.
“West Brom haven’t exactly set the youth leagues alight, they aren’t in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. And that’s a funny one because there are three Championship clubs and one Premier League club in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. You’ve got Manchester City against Bristol City, and Leeds United against Millwall.
“The FA Youth Cup is always a big yardstick, it shows the strength of the academies, and it makes you laugh when you think three are Championship clubs and there is only one Premier League club. Are the Premier League clubs doing things right?
“I don’t know what West Brom’s youth team are doing in their league, but it just seems a funny move. I don’t think they’ve won the FA Youth Cup for a very long time. There must be something more in that, possibly it’s because these people know the local leagues and schools, and have very good connections in those parts of bringing in players.”
Will Aston Villa continue their raid on West Brom?
Villa are showing no signs of stopping their raid on Championship side West Brom, who are clearly doing something right among their youth ranks.
Perhaps the situation will change next season if the Baggies make it into the top flight, with Carlos Corberan’s side currently fifth in the Championship.
There was almost a turning of the tables in January, with Villa outcast Calum Chambers having come close to joining West Brom.
In other Aston Villa news, one ace must be let go despite a 100% display against West Ham that left Stephen Warnock wowed.
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