Aston Villa have announced the loan departure of Samuel Iling-Junior to Bologna.
Earlier in the summer transfer window, the West Midlands outfit agreed a deal with Juventus to acquire the services of the wide player.
However, it was not a straightforward transfer to complete, with both clubs needing to find a way to facilitate Douglas Luiz's move to Turin without further weakening their position with the respective financial regulations.
As well as receiving cash, Villa were able to add Iling Junior and Enzo Barrenechea to their ranks ahead of a busy campaign that will feature Champions League football for the first time in their history.
Nevertheless, both players have been nowhere to be seen in Unai Emery's opening two Premier League squads, highlighting that they do not place highly in the pecking order of their respective positions.
⚡️𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐍⚡️#ForzaBFC #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/pdKCSR6Pzx
— Bologna FC 1909 (@Bolognafc1909) August 27, 2024
Iling Junior loan exit confirmed
Villa have now confirmed that they have allowed Iling Junior to continue his progression back in Serie A, rather than play a backup role in England.
The 20-year-old will now hope to be given game time at Bologna having already showcased his attributes for Juventus in Italy's top flight.
Albeit largely as a substitute, Iling Junior was provided with 24 appearances in Serie A during 2023-24, contributing one goal and two assists.
In total, the former Chelsea youngster chipped in with two goals and four assists from his 45 outings for Juve in all competitions.
On the down side, the England Under-21 international has made just nine starts as a professional, something which Villa hope will improve during the rest of the season.
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A signing that Bologna need?
There is no doubting that Bologna would have preferred to retain the services of their head coach and key players from last season, as proven through their opening two results in Serie A.
A 1-1 draw was posted at home to Udinese before a heavy 3-0 defeat at Napoli, highlighting the work that Vincenzo Italiano has ahead of him to keep the club in the top seven of the standings.
Although the squad has been bolstered in numerous areas, a player with Iling Junior's pace and power down the flank was required before his arrival on Tuesday.
He will now hope to feature in Saturday's home Serie A fixture against Empoli, the final game before the international break.
