Aston Villa ‘have the right’ to re-sign Jaden Philogene for £15 million if Hull City are promoted to the Premier League this season, according to Hull City’s vice-chairman.
The possibility of promotion may have appeared fantastical to those on Humberside when the 21-year-old joined Hull on the final day of the summer transfer window.
But, with Liam Rosenior’s team going three games unbeaten since then, and only a’miss of the season’ away from upsetting Leeds United at Elland Road, fourth-place Hull appear like a genuine challenger to take over the ‘dark horse’ label from Luton Town or Coventry City.
Jaden Philogene, an Aston Villa youth graduate, recorded his first Tigers assist in last week’s 3-1 win at Stoke City.
And, assuming he can build on the potential he showed when on loan at Cardiff City in 2022/23, it’s not beyond of the question that Aston Villa will attempt to activate the buy-back clause in Philogene’s contract later on.
The existence of such a clause in the first place demonstrates how highly the forward is regarded at Villa Park.
Jaden Philogene can still have Aston Villa future
“Villa have the right to buy him back for £15 million (if we are promoted),” says vice-chairman Tan Kesler to the Hull Daily Mail. “However, if we receive another bid worth greater than £15 million. Then we’d be able to talk about it.
“We’re not compelled to sell to Villa. But they would have first dibs, as part of our deal.”
Philogene, who was born in Hammersmith and represented England at U20 level, spent five years at Aston Villa between 2018 and 2023. During his stint at claret and blue, he made three Premier League appearances.
£15 million buy-back clause
“It’s quite straightforward. “The buy-back clause can be interpreted both negatively and positively,” he adds. “You can also look at it in terms of creating a win-win situation and sharing certain rights so that you can get (the deal) done and beat the competition.”
“A value has been assigned to an identified performance, which is a good thing.” Perhaps he will never attain (that level). But at least we know how much he’s willing to pay to quit our club.”
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