Jaden Philogene makes latest u-turn in Everton transfer race vs Aston Villa and Ipswich Town
Jaden Philogene’s summer transfer saga has taken another turn with Aston Villa seemingly set to beat Everton and Ipswich Town to his signing.
On an eventful day on 9 July where The Times’ Paul Joyce reported via X that Everton had an agreement worth around £16million in place with Hull City and believed Philogene wanted to sign for them.
Ipswich then jumped to the front of the queue [Alan Myers], as David Ornstein reported the same day for The Athletic that “barring a late twist” he would have a medical ahead of a move with an £18m deal and personal terms agreed.
Aston Villa then provided that twist as they activated their clause to join the race [Fabrizio Romano, 10 July] and when he was reportedly not present on the flight as the Tigers flew out to Turkey for their preseason training camp [Hull Daily Mail’s Baz Cooper, 10 July] a conclusion appeared imminent.
And yet a day later Philogene made a “surprise” appearance in Riva at the team hotel according to BBC journalist Mike White to suggest he may not be moving anywhere after all as it emerged Hull were prepared to keep him if necessary [Hull Live, 11 July].
Aston Villa in line to beat Everton to Hull City winger
Now, according to The Mirror’s Neil Moxley on 12 July, the 22-year-old is set for yet another “swift u-turn” over the weekend as he heads back to former side Villa next week to re-join them.
Philogene had a clause in the deal which took him to Hull a year ago which allowed Villa to match any transfer agreement and Unai Emery gave the green light to do so.
Sports Digitale journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu also reported on 12 July that the agreement was completed as the winger will now have a medical and sign his contract to move back to Villa Park.
Champions League football could easily be the deciding factor in the English attacker’s decision making and something that neither Everton, Ipswich, or other interested clubs such as West Ham and Crystal Palace, can compete with.
It will come as a disappointment at Goodison Park if the choice has definitely been made but in light of how many times the situation has changed already it is impossible to rule out further drama before anything is made official.
In other Everton news, a manager has confirmed his club are ready to take the matter to a tribunal as the Toffees eye their young star.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.