Aston Villa, Everton, and Ipswich await decision from £18m star amidst transfer suspense

According to reports from Hull Live, the transfer saga surrounding Jaden Philogene has taken another turn.

Philogene, a highly sought-after player, has attracted interest from Aston Villa, Everton, and Ipswich Town, all vying to secure his signature this month. Aston Villa had until Wednesday to exercise a matching rights clause they had when they sold him for £5m last summer.

Initially, Philogene favored a move to Portman Road before Villa entered the picture. Now, however, the club he departed last summer seeking regular playing time is keen to bring him back, potentially offering him a chance in the Premier League.

Adding to the intrigue of this ongoing saga, Philogene has reportedly joined Hull’s pre-season training camp in Turkey. The Tigers are conducting their week-long camp in Riva, and although Philogene was initially set for a departure along with Jacob Greaves, the England under-21 international has now appeared.

Hull Live notes that Ipswich Town remains Philogene’s preferred destination as he faces a significant decision about his future. The Tractor Boys are ambitiously building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League, recruiting top young talents from the Championship to bolster their ranks.

Philogene, with his impressive record of 12 goals and six assists in 32 games last season, would likely secure regular first-team football at Ipswich, showcasing his undeniable talent. This performance indicates his readiness for top-tier football.

Returning to Aston Villa would reintegrate Philogene into the first-team setup, albeit without a guaranteed starting position—a primary reason for his departure from Villa Park last summer. Villa boasts attacking talents such as Moussa Diaby, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, and John McGinn, posing a challenge for Philogene to secure a starting role.

Given the Champions League expansion and the demands of three domestic competitions in England, Unai Emery may need to rotate his squad, potentially offering Philogene opportunities. Alternatively, Hull Live reports that Hull City is open to retaining Philogene for the 2024/25 season if an acceptable transfer agreement cannot be reached.

Should Aston Villa succeed in securing Jaden Philogene, the deal could amount to nearly £13.5m, factoring in a 30% sell-on clause, according to John Percy of the Telegraph.