Aston Villa fans all say the same thing after what Jaden Philogene just did in the East Anglia derby
Jaden Philogene has finally found his feet at Ipswich Town since leaving Aston Villa at the start of the year.
Villa sold Philogene to Ipswich in January, with the Tractor Boys agreeing a deal reportedly worth around £20million.
It was immediate profit for the Villans, who had bought the winger back from Hull City at the start of last season.
But Philogene failed to impress on his return to Villa, failing to provide either a goal or an assist across 15 appearances in all competitions.
Villa signed Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund in January, paving the way for the England youth international to join Ipswich.
Jaden Philogene scores screamer for Ipswich Town
Philogene had already marked an impressive start to the season when he scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United.
The winger followed it up by netting against Portsmouth, but Sunday’s East Anglia derby against Norwich City saw him well and truly earn the hearts of the Ipswich fans.
Picking up the ball just inside the opposing half, Philogene drove forward and smashed in a stunning strike from range, putting Kieran McKenna’s side ahead just before half-time.
Villa fans responded immediately, with one remarking: “We might have been a bit hasty selling Philogene”.
Two others asked the club to buy the winger back, whilst another said it was a “shame he couldn’t do it at Villa”.
One fan said Philogene “looks like the kind of player Villa could use”, and to the same tune, another expressed in dismay that Villa are “stuck with Malen”.
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Villa cannot treat themselves too harshly
As much as Philogene has impressed since returning to the Championship, Villa will not look back on their decision with regret.
The winger struggled massively in the Premier League, and perhaps could have been afforded more time, had the Villans not received such an attractive offer.
| Jaden Philogene | Premier League 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.34 |
| Shots on target | 6 |
Decision-makers at Villa Park were offered their money back, and more, for a player who likely would have struggled to make his presence felt in Unai Emery‘s team.
Even given the 23-year-old’s form this season, that was always going to be difficult to turn down.
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