Aston Villa ready to activate Jaden Philogene clause for new transfer
Aston Villa are ready to activate a buy-back clause for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene as Ipswich Town close in on a deal, according to The Athletic.
The online source reported [9 July] that Ipswich have an £18million deal in place for the 22-year-old winger, though Villa have matching rights for the player who they sold last summer until Wednesday 10 July.
It is understood that the club acknowledge that Philogene’s next destination is entirely up to him following a sensational spell in the Championship with the Tigers last season.
Could Jaden Philogene return to Aston Villa this summer?
While the Tractor Boys look to be closing in on a deal for the talented winger, Villa will, obviously, try their luck in bringing the prospect back to Villa Park.
Philogene was unable to make a breakthrough at the club before making his move to the Championship, having made just six first-team appearances in between loan spells at Stoke City and Cardiff City.
While the player could be fearful of the same experience at Villa, Unai Emery has been extremely forthcoming with bringing youngsters into the first team, and given his Championship campaign, could even be a start next season.
The 22-year-old notched 12 goals and six assists in 32 Championship appearances, even scoring one of the goals of the season with a spectacular rabona effort.
The winger positions have been somewhat of a struggle for Emery since his arrival, especially with Emiliano Buendia sidelined for so long, but with the addition of Philogene, depth would no longer be an issue.
Philogene would be able to learn from the likes of Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby and new signing Samuel Iling-Junior, as well as have the opportunity to play Champions League football next term.
It would be an incredible opportunity for the winger to return to Villa Park, a career move he may feel obligated to take and to prove himself with the club that let him go last summer.
It is certainly a story to keep an eye on.
In other Aston Villa news, Tyrone Mings may struggle to reclaim a starting XI spot next season after injury layoff.
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