Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in out-of-favour Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene, with the possibility of making an approach for him in the upcoming January transfer window. Under the management of Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce are looking for attacking reinforcement to give more depth to their squad in a bid to test Galatasaray's authority in the Super Lig.
The 22-year-old Philogene was signed back by Aston Villa from Hull City this summer transfer window but has had limited involvement in Unai Emery's squad. He impressed in Villa's thrilling Champions League win over Bayern Munich and has since started only twice this season in the Premier League. In fact, Emory has often preferred the likes of Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, and John McGinn in the attacking trio behind the striker, relegating Philogene to the bench more often than not.
Limited Opportunities at Villa Park
Philogene's return to Villa Park was supposed to kickstart his career after his successful spell at Hull City, but with Villa's attacking positions already highly competitive, the young winger has struggled to find playing time. His 103 senior appearances so far show he is talented, but he hasn't found consistency at the Premier League level.
With Villa's attack still ruled by the likes of Bailey and McGinn, among other experienced players, any consistent first-team action for Philogene seems a bit far-fetched. This has subsequently seen speculations of a move away from Villa Park in search of playing time.
Fenerbahce's Interest in Philogene
Reports from TRT Spor and Fotomac suggest that Fenerbahce are keen to bring him in on loan during the winter transfer window. Mourinho's side is looking to strengthen their squad in their quest to win the Super Lig title, sitting second in the league eight points behind Galatasaray. Philogene would inject some much-needed firepower into an attack already littered with names like Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
That would be further versatility and skill on the ball to Fenerbahce's offensive options, and regular playing time could do just what he needs to finally develop as a player. At his age and potential, a loan spell to a competitive league like Turkey might just be what Philogene requires to gain more first-team exposure and make a return into the Premier League, stronger than ever.
Villa's Call on Philogene's Loan Move
The big question for Aston Villa would be whether to let Philogene go on loan in January. Though the winger has given glimpses of his quality, the dearth of opportunities at Villa Park could see both player and club look towards a temporary separation. A move to Fenerbahce would provide regular game time and improvement opportunities for Philogene, and allow Villa to check on the progress of their man while he's on loan.
Given that Villa want to continue competing in both domestic and European competitions, this could be a chance for Philogene to go out and come back sharper, ready for the challenges that lie ahead. That is, if Villa feel they can afford to lose the talented winger in the short term.
What's Next for Jaden Philogene?
As the transfer window draws near, Jaden Philogene is certainly the subject of attention in everyone's eye. A loan transfer to Fenerbahce under Jose Mourinho gives an avenue of rediscovery in a fresh setting; and if that goes through, then that could be a telling point in the career path for both the player and his parent club, Aston Villa.
Should Villa allow Philogene to leave on loan in January or hold on to him through the end of the season? Only time can tell, but as the winter market approaches, expect this developing transfer story to get more updates.
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What do you think? Should Aston Villa loan Jaden Philogene to Fenerbahce in January? Let us know in the comments below!
