Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of a highly-rated 16-year-old defender to add to their ever-growing academy.
Villa’s academy is the envy of many football teams across the globe. Over the years, the Birmingham outfit has produced multiple star players including current first-teamer Jacob Ramsey and English-record signing Jack Grealish.
Unai Emery is also a big fan of giving the younger generation a shot at senior football. Finley Munroe and now current Chelsea player Omari Kellyman both made their debuts in the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Now, Emery is looking to add another young talent to his team as Villa closes in on a young Luton defender.
Aston Villa target young Luton talent Leon Routh
Routh is a highly-rated 16-year-old who is currently part of Luton’s academy set-up. Last season, the defender was part of the Under 18s side who were crowned the champions of the Youth Alliance South East Division for the second year in a row.
Routh is seen as one of the best upcoming talents in the country and was recently included in the all-star Under 16s southern side by the Secret Scout.
Now, the same outlet is reporting that Villa are close to signing the youngster.
It has been reported that a deal is close between Luton and Emery’s side. The 16-year-old has already accepted personal terms with Villa and a fee is set to be agreed.
The signing would be the second Luton player to slip through Rob Edward’s fingers and go to the Birmingham outfit this summer after Ross Barkley joined Villa in July.
Another player for the future at Aston Villa
While signing first-team players is clearly important, Villa must also prepare for the future.
Since Emery has arrived at the club, many young players have followed him. Morgan Rogers is a great example of what the Spaniard can do to a youngster joining the club.
It may take a while to see Routh anywhere near the first team picture. However, signing players like Routh is a great strategy for Villa.
In five years, Routh could easily become a top defender in the Premier League, especially if Emery is there to guide him.
