I wasn’t around until late Tuesday evening, so Sod’s Law dictated something interesting would happen at Aston Villa – and it did.
Following the battle with Manchester United for talented young defender Josh Feeney, Fleetwood Town confirmed that the 16-year-old had completed his transfer to our Academy set up for a ‘substantial undisclosed fee’.
Absolutely buzzing to finally announce that I have signed for @AVFCOfficial 💜💙
I’d like to say Thankyou to everyone at @ftfc for the last 4 years but I’m excited for my new chapter🤩
Also a huge thanks to @Gazseddon and @CAABase for sorting everything👊🏻 #UTV pic.twitter.com/bjb4r9doT2— Joshua Feeney (@joshuafeeney6) July 6, 2021
I know little of Feeney, but he’s clearly got a bright future ahead of him. A 16-year-old making his name in Under 18 and Under 23 sides last season, and he also featured as an unused substitute for their first team on three occasions last season.
Welcome Josh!
That wasn’t the only news to come out of the club, as we also dished out professional contracts to seven players in our Under 23 setup.
Highly rated Kaine Kesler Hayden has penned a five year deal, and he impressed plenty when our young Lions took on Liverpool in the FA Cup last term.
He was joined by new deals for Mungo Bridge, Akos Onodi, Viljami Sinisalo, Myles Sohna, DJ Sturridge and Tyreik Wright.
New deals for seven young players have been signed and sealed. ✅
Congratulations, lads! ✍️ #AVFCU23s
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 6, 2021
We weren’t finished there either, earlier today the club announced that another six players had signed professional contracts – and these lads were part of our FA Youth Cup winning squad.
Louie Barry has had his deal extended until 2024 as we took up an option, and he was joined by deals for Brad Young, Hayden Lindley, Arjan Raikhy, Filip Marschall and Chisom Afoka.
Patrick Ziko has also agreed a short term contract as he looks to get back to his best after an injury laden 2020/21 campaign.
New deals have been signed by six of our 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬/𝟮𝟭 #FAYouthCup winners. 🏆
Congratulations, lads! ✍️ #AVFCU18s
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 7, 2021