Aston Villa supporters have given their verdict after Jaden Philogene finalised his return to the club on Friday.
Unai Emery and Monchi have been hard at work preparing Aston Villa for the upcoming 2024/25 Champions League campaign as there have been plenty of incomings and outgoings.
Whilst Douglas Luiz is the most high-profile departure and will be missed at Villa Park, Emery has offset that sale by bringing in several quality players, the latest being Jaden Philogene.
Philogene completed his return to Aston Villa on Friday in a £13m move from Hull City, just a year after leaving for East Yorkshire.
Emery rated Philogene highly last summer as he impressed in pre-season, but the 22-year-old chose to leave as he wanted to play regular football.
The fleet-footed winger has since torn the Championship to shreds by plundering 12 goals and six assists in 32 appearances, while producing some moments of nonchalance, including a rabona in a win over Rotherham United in February.
Aston Villa fans react after Jaden Philogene completes £13m move
A year on from letting him leave for Hull, the fans are understandably excited about Philogene returning to Villa Park, especially after watching his exceptional performances in the second tier.
Reacting to his arrival via X, one supporter said: “Looked really good last pre season, went away and developed into an excellent player at Hull in the championship. A really shrewd signing for Villa and I’m sure he will make a big impact this season!”
Another fan shared similar excitement, saying: “Clearly planned from the outset, to bring him back if (when) he did well at Hull. And boy… did he do well. Lad scored 2 Puskas contenders, and was one of the Championship’s stand-out players. He’s added robustness & consistency to his considerable talent. Exciting.”
While a third believes if he can emulate last years impressive pre-season, he will have a big role to play, saying: “The gaffer clearly trusts him, enough for me. If he emulates last years pre season he could have a role to play, it’ll be a long old season.”
A fifth chimed in: “Going to show us why he should have never went,” while a sixth said: “Welcome back, go make that starting spot yours.”
Another commented: “Ramsey, Kesler-Hayden, Philogene commanding our midfield is something I’m looking forward to this season.”
Jaden Philogene’s key 23/24 statistics at Hull City
Philogene largely played on the left flank at Hull, cutting in on his dangerous right foot and wreaking havoc against opposing defenders with his pace and dribbling.
As highlighted by FBref, he excelled in the Championship against his rival wingers, ranking in the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for touches (att pen.)
He was also strong at tracking back for his team, showcasing the defensive side of his game by placing in the top 4% for tackles and the top 16% for blocks.
Indeed, Philogene developed so much under the watchful eye of Liam Rosenior, the man who managed him at Hull, and now Emery will aim to take him up to the next level.
