Acun Ilicali, Hull City’s owner, told The Mirror that he is ‘certain’ that top player Jaden Philogene will not re-sign with Aston Villa this summer.
Hull City recruited Philogene from Aston Villa in September. The 22-year-old has only three professional appearances at Villa Park and was deemed surplus to requirements before being moved for an undisclosed amount.
However, after less than a year with the Championship club, the attacker is garnering interest from teams in the league above and throughout Europe. Ajax has been linked on the continent, while Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have expressed interest from the Premier League.
However, it is widely documented that former side Aston Villa has a buy-back clause in the agreement with Hull City, which might represent a threat to other interested parties, as well as the Tigers themselves, given their desire to keep one of their key players this summer.
Hull City owner Ilicali spoke with The Mirror on the likelihood of Villa re-signing Philogene, claiming he was ‘sure’ that this would not happen this summer.
“We have no concerns about Philogene being bought back by Aston Villa. “The buy-back option is only available if we are promoted,” he explained.
“If Jaden wants to play with us and does not want to go to Villa, we will ask for permission to keep him due to our good connection with the club. I believe that every player should be happy. If Jaden decides to stay with Hull City if we get to the Premier League, I am convinced that Aston Villa would not disappoint us.”
Philogene has eight goals and six assists in 23 games for Liam Rosenior’s team. He will most likely be included when Hull City’s Championship campaign resumes on Good Friday against Stoke City, as they aim to finish in the top six.
Should Hull City be concerned about a Philogene exit?
Despite Ilicali’s comments that a return to Aston Villa appears improbable, this does not rule out other clubs who are sure to approach him in the summer.
Philogene has been a sensation for Hull City and is now a regular member of England’s U21 squad. More eyes will be on him, and those who are intrigued will seek to channel their enthusiasm into something more tangible.
Bids are likely, but the Tigers will not give up their star player easy. Their asking price is apparently above £15 million, which would go a long way toward funding their summer expenses. Their only hope of keeping him appears to be
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