Aston Villa have been told they have an ‘absolute dream’ in 18-year-old Omari Kellyman according to Derby chief Josh Butler.
Aston Villa signed Omari Kellyman back in 2022 from Derby in a deal worth over £500k.
Impressing for the reserves side in the Premier League 2, Kellyman is on the verge of the first-team.
A Carabao Cup appearance and a UEFA Conference League game too, which saw an assist in the process against Hibernian.
On Kellyman however, Villa have now been told they’ve got a gem in Kellyman, in an interview with The Athletic.
Butler on Kellyman
Derby’s recruitment manager Josh Butler has been singing the praises of Villa’s 18-year-old.
“From that moment, I’ve said the kid could be anything he wants to be…”
“Omari still plays with the same personality,” says Butler. “He tries flicks over people’s heads, shots from ridiculous distances and plays with freedom. I’d love to say this was something we did for him — in truth, we just gave him a platform to practice…”
“He would play off the left, as a No 10 or up front,” adds Butler. “Omari always had his place in the group. There were other players who were a bit louder but he was the chilled one. I’ve known him for 12 years and he’s always been the same; low maintenance, no dramas….”
“The extent of his success will be circumstantial because it won’t be down to talent or attitude. His greatest strength is that you can’t not like him. He’s an absolute dream for a football club.”
