Hull City’s vice-chairman has admitted that Aston Villa ‘have the right’ to re-sign Jaden Philogene for £15 million if The Tigers are promoted to the Premier League this season.
When the 21-year-old joined Hull on the final day of the summer transfer window, the prospect of promotion may have seemed fanciful at best among on Humberside.
But with Liam Rosenior’s side going three games unbeaten since then – only a ‘miss of the season’ contender away from beating Leeds United at Elland Road too – fourth-place Hull feel like a genuine candidate to inherit the ‘dark horse’ tag from Luton Town or Coventry City.
Jaden Philogene, an Aston Villa academy graduate, grabbed his first Tigers assist in the 3-1 win away at Stoke City last time out.
And, presuming he can build on the promise he showed on loan at Cardiff City in 2022/23, it is not out of the question that Aston Villa may look to trigger the buy-back clause in Philogene’s contract later down the line.
The fact such a clause exists in the first-place remains proof of how highly the forward is rated 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),” vice-chairman Tan Kesler tells the Hull Daily Mail. “Having said that, if we have another offer that’s worth more than £15 million. then we would have the right to discuss it.
“It’s not like we’re forced to sell to Villa. But they would have the first choice, and that’s part of our agreement.”
Hammersmith-born Philogene, capped by England at U20 level, spent five years at Aston Villa between 2018 and 2023. He even made three Premier League appearances during his time in claret-and-blue.
And while some may argue that a buy-back clause puts Hull at the whims of Aston Villa’s mercy, Kesler insists that – during transfer negotiations – sometimes compromises are just part of the business.
£15 million buy-back clause
“It’s pretty simple. The buy-back clause can be interpreted negatively or very positively,” he adds. “You can also look at, being able to get that kind of talented player, you create a win-win situation, and share certain rights so that you can get (the deal) done and beat the competition.
“There is a value that has been put on an identified performance, which is good. Maybe he can never reach (that level). But at least we know what he can be worth to leave our club.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
