Jaden Philogene breaks silence on why he joined Aston Villa over Everton and Ipswich Town

Jaden Philogene has completed his move to Aston Villa.

The winger returns to Villa Park just a year after leaving the club for Hull City. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded 12 goals and six assists as Hull narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs.

Philogene’s performances meant he was in high demand this summer. Everton agreed a deal with Hull to sign the England under-21 along with Premier League rivals Ipswich Town. But Villa triggered a clause to match those bids. And Philogene opted to make the move back to the Midlands after holding talks with manager Unai Emery.

Speaking after his move, Philogene - who has signed a five-year contract - told Villa’s website: “It feels amazing. Back at home, basically. It feels good. Unai spoke to me face to face and had a very good conversation about me and playing time. I thought the conversation went very well.

“He said last season in pre-season, I did very well. I was getting my chances. It depends on me, how I play. It's the latest chapter in my Villa journey so hopefully I can play my best, get game-time and play good in front of the fans.

“What I did at Hull, I want to do the same at Villa Park. Make the fans go 'wow' with my skills and score goals. It's my dream come true. From a little boy I wanted to play in the Champions League and I'm doing it now.”