‘I wanted to stay’… ‘Electric’ player says he didn’t want to leave Aston Villa last summer

Tue 23 January 2024 8:15, UK

With just over a week to go in the January transfer window, it seems one or two players may still leave Unai Emery’s Aston Villa project.

Emery’s side are having a brilliant season, faring well in Europe alongside their incredible Premier League campaign.

As a result, fans would probably expect the club to boost the squad this month with a new signing or two.

However, it seems as if players could depart Villa before any new additions arrive.

Perhaps the likes of Leander Dendoncker, Calum Chambers, Bertrand Traore and Kortney Hause are those most likely to leave.

Departures which might then allow Emery to bring in an experienced striker to help Ollie Watkins.

That being said, a player who eventually chose to leave Emery’s Villa project last summer, has now actually admitted he didn’t really want to go.

21-year-old Jaden Philogene has now been speaking to about his departure, saying he wanted to stay at Villa at first.

Instead, Philogene made the move to Championship side Hull City where he’s already made a big impression.

Jaden Philogene says he didn’t want to leave Unai Emery’s Aston Villa last summer

Although currently halted by an untimely knee injury, Philogene quickly became a stalwart of Hull’s starting XI.

And in his 14 games, the ‘electric’ England under-21 international scored six goals and registered five assists.

Moreover, when speaking to The Athletic, Philogene admitted that a conversation with Emery eventually led to his decision to leave Villa.

Philogene said: “I wanted to stay but I didn’t think I was going to get the minutes I needed.

“So the best option for me was to leave. I don’t think it was a big decision.

“I’m 21 and I needed to play. I spoke to Emery and Monchi and they agreed.”

Of course, the departure does now seem a sensible one for all parties.

But with Villa known to be chasing a winger this month, they’ve been linked with one sensational move.

Perhaps they do now wish they were turning to an academy graduate like Philogene who could perfectly compliment their squad.

That being said, the 21-year-old probably wouldn’t have enjoyed another six months on the periphery of things.