Aston Villa demonstrate their transfer market nous once again having triggered the buy-back clause for Jaden Philogene.
The English sensation made a permanent move to Hull City in 2023 for a fee believed to be just above £5 million.
Yet just after a year of impressing in England’s second tier, Philogene has been shortlisted by many top flight clubs around Europe including Barcelona.
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How much is Philogene costing Aston Villa?
The 22 year-old will be the second academy prospect returning to the second city following the resigning of Cameron Archer.
Archer’s deal shows key similarities with Philogene’s return to the Villans, as both academy graduates moved away from the midlands to make a name for themselves elsewhere.
There was a clause in the contract of the Hull City starlet which meant Aston Villa would be granted the opportunity to match any bid regarding Philogene.
The hot prospect will wear claret and blue once again after Ipswich Town offered an £18 million fee for ownership of Philogene.
Villa acted swiftly and matched the rumoured value as they continue to add depth and quality to their ranks.
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How did Philogene perform at Hull City?
The number 23 signed for the Tigers on transfer deadline day last September, which has proved to be the flame to ignite Philogene’s career.
The youngster played in gold and black 32 times where he netted an impressive 12 goals.
One goal grasped the headlines of every media organisation after Philogene’s audacious rabona found the net in a 2-1 win over Rotherham. Many pundits tipped the goal to be Puskas Award worthy.
Philogene spoiled the Hull faithful with his flair and pace week after week.
The wingers short spell at Hull is by far his best season in professional football - winning the hearts of Cardiff City following a loan spell season prior of his move to the North East of England.
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How did Philogene fair in his first spell at Villa Park?
The England Under 21 international featured just three times in the Premier League for the Villans.
But many Villa fans grew to admire Philogene’s talent after he impressed in the pre-season thrashing of Lazio last summer as well as scoring in a friendly against Fulham.
Philogene made the most of cup opportunities and academy matches to help build experience to cultivate Championship clubs' interest.
The Holte End supporters seemed reluctant to sell the wonder-kid having seen his talent on display a number of times.
Nevertheless, Villa fans will be able to enjoy Philogene’s joyful style of football at Villa Park this coming season.
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What can Villa expect from profile of a player like Philogene?
The impressive squad depth of Aston Villa will mean regular game time is not guaranteed for their returnee.
The winger will have to compete against the likes of Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers for minutes this season. However, the magnitudes of matches in Villa’s schedule should provide Philogene with opportunities.
The tricky winger will hope to use pre-season as a catalyst to impress Unai Emery.
Rogers seized a similar opportunity after impressing in the Championship, eventually putting his talents on display at Villa Park after waiting several weeks for his chance to shine.
Philogene’s pure speed and willingness to take on opposing defenders will prove beneficial to stretch opposing defences.
The influence of former Hull manager Liam Rosenior, has clearly been a factor in the development of the youngster who helped him improve his physicality and technical abilities.
Hence the likelihood that Philogene should slot in among Villa’s blistering attack with ease. The winger can play on either side and owns a devilish right foot which makes him such a goal threat.
Emery will also be pleased by Philogene’s work rate as he is not opposed to helping out his defence, with willingness to track back defensively.
Villa fans should prepare to be wowed by Philogene’s return and it would not come as a surprise to see him become an integral cog in Emery’s Villa side as they get set to compete in multiple competitions.
