Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town question raised amid Aston Villa transfer hijack attempt
Don Goodman believes Jaden Philogene would be a smart addition to the Aston Villa squad, but has questioned if the Hull City gem would rather join Ipswich Town instead.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday (10 July) that Villa have activated the matching rights clause for Philogene after Ipswich bid £18million for the attacker.
Should Villa reach an agreement with Philogene, who has also been linked with Everton, they would pay 30 per cent under that amount due to having a sell-on clause.
Responding to the speculation, Goodman told Villa News: “They’re being linked with a lot of attack-minded players so that’s clearly an area of the pitch Unai Emery has identified as wanting to get even more quality into the squad.
“It’s hardly earth-shattering money, either – £18million odd. The question then is whether Jaden Philogene would want to go back to Aston Villa? It’s one of those where you’ve left a club because of a lack of opportunities, but is that something you then hold on to?
“Would he be better off going to Ipswich and playing every single week? These are questions for Jaden Philogene really.
“But in terms of being a good member of the Villa squad for next season, bearing in mind the volume of fixtures against higher-calibre opposition, I certainly wouldn’t be averse to that if I’m Aston Villa.”
Aston Villa must make Jaden Philogene transfer happen
Philogene is a player in demand and Villa have one massive advantage thanks to various clauses in his contract.
The 22-year-old may not have made it at Villa Park previously, but it is unlikely there is any bad blood following his exit last year.
Many were surprised to see Villa sell Philogene when they did, having caught the eye during a couple of spells in the Championship, but it is a decision that has paid off for the player himself.
Villa could do with Philogene in the squad next season as Unai Emery looks to balance the bread and butter of the Premier League with a first crack at the Champions League.
While it may be true that he has more chance of starting every week in the top flight at Ipswich, Villa can provide an opportunity to play in Europe’s elite club competition.
This is a massive decision for Philogene to make – and his decision either way must be respected – but the Villans must at least ensure they put their case forward and hope for the best.
In other Aston Villa news, an Emiliano Martinez exit verdict has been dropped.
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