Aston Villa backed for last-ditch Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba change so he can join Coventry
Aston Villa could have turned their attention away from West Brom as a loan destination for Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
Villa secured a 3-2 win against RB Salzburg in their final Europa League clash of the league phase and had the 19-year-old to thank.
Jimoh-Aloba is one of Villa’s brightest prospects and finally got his introductory moment into the first-team front of the Villa Park faithful.
His long-term future is secure in B6 after Jimoh-Aloba signed a new Villa deal in October 2024, but that hasn’t stopped Unai Emery and Co. from seeking out a loan exit this winter.
Jimoh-Aloba has now completed a move to West Brom, but that deal was so nearly put on ice in favour of a move elsewhere.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba could have agreed loan away from West Brom
The Villans have had a busy transfer window so far, but could look to agree further business before the winter deadline.
That looks likely to be further exits rather than additions, with Jimoh-Aloba seemingly destined to make a temporary move away from Bodymoor Heath.
The teenager has given the green light to a West Brom loan switch, as a move to link up with Samuel Iling-Junior has been agreed.
With the Baggies in such dire straits, a move higher up the Championship looks to have been eyed by Villa before the attacking midfielder made his decision.
Former Villa scout Bryan King has questioned whether a move to Coventry City, who sit top of the division, may have been a better option in B6.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “If I were Villa with the games they’ve got coming up, I’d keep hold of him.
“You’ve got to have bodies with Villa in so many competitions. He can certainly be used as a substitute, he’s proven he can do it.
“After his performance against Salzburg, I wouldn’t be sending him to West Brom.
“I’m not sure if Coventry will do any more business, but I would have been looking to send him there.“
Jimoh-Aloba absent from Aston Villa squad vs Brentford
It appears that a deal is edging ever closer at The Hawthorns as the Villans prepare to line up in a clash against Brentford.
Emery has named Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham in the starting XI against the Bees, but there is no Jimoh-Aloba in the matchday squad.
That points towards a West Brom switch being imminent, in a move which may prove to be a mistake if the injury problems continue in claret and blue.
It will now be interesting to see how the youngster fares at his boyhood club, especially if a move elsewhere in the second tier was possible.
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