Former Aston Villa youth player Jaden Philogene faces an uncertain future with numerous clubs interested in his services this summer.
Aston Villa made the decision to sell Jaden Philogene to Championship side Hull City for £5 million ahead of last season.
The move was a little surprising given the youngster was considered one of Villa’s most talented academy graduates, leaving some to question whether a deal was PSR-related.
Monchi was keen to ensure Villa could have the opportunity to re-sign Philogene in the future and acted to include a number of clauses in the deal; one of which being that Villa must be offered the chance to match any bids for the 22-year-old.
That is exactly what has materialised, with Ipswich Town bidding £18 million to sign the Hull man and Villa taking the decision to match the bid.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa could re-sign ‘ridiculous’ player Emery sold last summer as transfer clause ‘activated’
However, there has now been another twist to the saga.
Jaden Philogene flies out late to Hull City training camp
Villa had not been credited with interest in their Bodymoor Heath graduate so it was a surprise when it emerged that they had matched Ipswich’s bid.
Given the speculation surrounding both Philogene and Jacob Greaves – also wanted by Ipswich – Hull made the decision not to include the duo in their pre-season training camp in Turkey.
In a surprise turn of events, though, Philogene has now got a later flight out to join his teammates in the homeland of their owner, this adding to the uncertainty. with Everton also keen.
That is according to Hull Live, who have reported that: ‘Philogene, along with Jacob Greaves were both left behind in England when the rest of the squad flew out from Humberside Airport on Tuesday as moves were expected to be completed, but arrived later on Tuesday night at the home of Turkish Football Federation’.
The report also suggested that Hull are ‘prepared to keep Philogene at the club this season if an acceptable deal cannot be reached’.
Do Aston Villa need Philogene?
What makes it more surprising that Villa have entered the race for Philogene is that they do not really need him.
- READ MORE: Unai Emery warned Jaden Philogene will ‘only return’ to Aston Villa on one crucial condition
In terms of wide options, Unai Emery currently has Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby and new signings Lewis Dobbin and Samuel Iling-Junior, so it is a position with a number of different options.
Perhaps the club’s interest in hijacking Ipswich’s bid relates more to being able to remain in control of Philogene’s future in order to ensure the club can wreap the rewards of any huge increases in value.
