One of Aston Villa’s teenage prospects has penned a contract extension just months after joining the club.
Villa’s youth system is well-thought-of, with several bright prospects littered across the under-18s’ and under-21s’ sides.
17-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba has recently impressed for the 21s, scoring twice during the 4-0 win over Middlesbrough.
With Cameron Archer, Jacob Ramsey and Tim Iroegbunam all involved in the academy set-up at some point, taking care of the youth system should be a priority.
And that’s precisely what the board is doing.
Calum Moreland pens new Aston Villa deal
Aston Villa have announced that 17-year-old Calum Moreland has penned his first professional contract after joining the club in the summer.
The defender joined from Linfield FC and has impressed for the under-18s this season, featuring six times and amassing just under 500 minutes.
On the defender’s extension, Academy manager Mark Harrison said: “We are delighted to see Calum sign his first professional contract.
“Calum joined us in the summer from Linfield and has also represented Northern Ireland at youth level.
“He is a left-sided centre-back who has shown a great attitude and worked hard since he joined us.
“It is now important he stays really focused on his development over the next few years.”
Encouraging signs from Aston Villa academy
As previously stated, keeping an eye on the academy is essential. It can prove to be an excellent revenue source and provide a stream of talent to the first XI.
Ramsey is the perfect example of an asset being born out of the academy. The Athletic claim the 22-year-old is valued at £50million and that Newcastle United, Tottenham and Bayern Munich all displayed interest during the January window.
However, the Unai Emery insists he wishes to keep the influential midfielder.
“Jacob Ramsey is a very important player,” said Emery.
“He grew up here in the academy. His progression is clear and getting better. I want to keep him here with us.
“Teams maybe involved in the possibility to sign him, because he has big potential with Aston Villa and England, 100 per cent.”
