Jaden Philogene impressed in the Championship last season (Image: Getty)
Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Hull City over a surprise move for Jaden Philogene.
The winger impressed in the Championship last season, scoring 12 goals and assisting six in 32 appearances. The England Under-21 caught the eye of several top clubs as a result, with Aston Villa among those linked with securing his signature and re-signing their academy graduate.
The forward came through the ranks at Villa Park but left to join Hull for an undisclosed fee in 2023, and his exit may leave the higher powers at the club red-faced given that Barcelona have now emerged as one of his leading suitors.
According to Relevo, the Camp Nou outfit have opened talks with Hull in the hope of reaching an agreement for the winger.
Contacts between the club are already underway, with Barca pushing to strike a deal as soon as possible to prevent other top clubs from entering the race.
The type of transfer is still to be discussed, with the Catalan giant’s financial issues meaning that a loan-to-buy could be viewed as the most plausible option for the club rather than forking out an immediate fee for the talented playmaker.
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Hansi Flick is keen to bolster Barcelona’s attacking ranks (Image: Getty)
Philogene is capable of playing on both wings, and his versatility could prove useful to newly-appointed Barcelona boss Hansi Flick given that major exits from the Camp Nou are expected.
Former Leeds winger Raphinha, ex-Manchester City star Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are among a host of names who could leave the club this summer in order to raise funds to balance the books of the La Liga outfit.
Aston Villa may be left red-faced if Philogene’s move to Barca materialises (Image: Getty)
Though Hull will be keen to receive a significant fee for the services of their No. 23 given that they finished just three points outside of the play-offs last season and have a squad capable of pushing for automatic promotion.
Ex-Arsenal star Ray Parlour urged Hull to snub offers for Philogene previously as he believes that the tricky winger will be key in the Tigers’ push to return to the Premier League. He told Football League World: “At this level you are always in danger of losing top players if they are performing well. Hull City must aim to keep their top players, including the likes of Philogene if they want to make the Premier League. I like the way Hull City play and there is no reason they can’t push on again next season.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1914994/Barcelona-transfer-news-Hull-Jadon-Philogene-Aston-Villa