Aston Villa agree ‘perfect transfer solution’ as player exit is announced
Aston Villa have seen players both leave and join the club in January so far.
Villa confirmed via the club’s official website on Tuesday (14 January) that they had completed the signing of Donyell Malen, who is expected to keep a few first-team players on their toes.
However, one player who won’t be competing with the Dutchman for a place in Unai Emery’s side is Jaden Philogene after his £20million switch to Ipswich Town was confirmed [via BBC Sport, 15 January], with the player having grown unhappy in the West Midlands.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – thinks a move to Portman Road was the “perfect” solution for the winger.
“It is all about playing time,” King said.
“If a player is playing regularly, there isn’t a problem. However, if you’re not, and you feel that you’re better than the players in front of you, that is when problems arise. Ipswich were willing to pay good money for him, and considering what they paid, Philogene will be starting there.
“Therefore, that is better for him than sitting on the bench at Villa Park. They obviously thought Philogene wasn’t suited to the club after bringing him back, and he didn’t seem to believe he was part of the long-term plan.
“You’ve got an unhappy player walking around the football club, that is a problem. As a result, when Ipswich came in for him, it was the perfect solution.”
Jaden Philogene leaves Aston Villa to join Ipswich Town
Philogene had only been back at Villa for six months. However, having started just two matches in the Premier League, it quickly became clear that the player wasn’t part of Unai Emery’s plans.
Therefore, a move away from the club makes sense, especially after the arrival of Malen.
And Villa can now use the funds raised from Philogene’s sale to pursue other targets in the winter window, with Sevilla centre-back Loïc Badé still on the club’s radar [via VamosMiSevilla, 14 January].
In other Aston Villa news, Jamie Carragher has slammed one coach at the club after what Gary Neville had to say.
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