Aston Villa confirm loan exit plans for defender as Villa Park agreement struck
Aston Villa have announced a new deal for one of their rising stars, and there is a clear plan in mind.
Villa have several top young talents coming through the academy, but breaking into the first team will not be easy.
Unai Emery could use the Europa League first phase to give game time to more youngsters, but some may take the opportunity to go out on loan to play regularly.
One youngster has now extended his contract with Aston Villa, and the possibility of a loan deal now looks likely.
Thierry Katsukunya signs new deal ahead of likely loan exit
Villa starlet Thierry Katsukunya has now signed a new contract to keep him at Villa Park for the long term, after an excellent campaign.
Katsukunya featured regularly for the Under-21s last season, featuring at both centre-back and right-back, as a key player for Mark Harrison’s side.
With a new deal now signed, as confirmed on the club’s official website on Thursday (3 July), Katsukunya is likely to head out on loan – and Harrison has praised the young defender.
| Stat | Katsukunya |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 6 |
“Thierry has signed a new contract after being a regular in our Under-21s squad last season,” Harrison told club media.
“Thierry was involved in both our cup runs in the UEFA Youth League and Vertu Trophy. He is a competitive, athletic centre-back who has also been involved with Wales Under-21s.
“We pleased to see Thierry sign a new contract and look forward to seeing how he develops this season with the possibility of going out on loan.”
Villa youngsters could benefit from loans
Villa are likely to strengthen their depth in key areas, and this may limit the opportunities Emery could hand to youngsters next season.
While the Carabao Cup and Europa League could give a platform to some of the best academy talents, others may need loans to continue their development.
Nineteen-year-old Katsukunya could benefit from a lower league loan, after a season in which he was a mainstay for the Under-21s, and should he succeed, he could earn himself future opportunities in the first-team in the future.
The Welshman made 25 appearances last season, scoring once, and he will now hope to feature regularly elsewhere if a move materialises.
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