The 20-year-old flew to Bodymoor Heath to talk to Steve Bruce in the summer.
Aston Villa summer target Harold Moukoudi has told Francebleu that he chose not to sign with the club because their thoughts on football differed and he was not in the right place in his career.
The Le Havre central defender was flown by the club in a private jet to the Villa training ground on 30 August, the day before the loan window shut for Championship teams, in an attempt to secure his services.
The club wanted the 20-year-old to join on loan with a view to making the move permanent in the future for a fee of £10 million.
However, the transfer fell through and Moukoudi remained with the Ligue 2 club, resulting in Villa moving for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on the 31 August.
“Difficult decision? Really difficult,” said Moukoudi. “I thought about it all night. It has been complicated. I had trouble sleeping.”
“Despite the great offers, we decided that the best solution was to stay. To stay another year in France and the club, at least. To improve myself and become even better. Then we’ll see.”
He added: “In my family, we have certain values. Today, money is not really my first interest. I want to build a career, a great career. And according to us, going abroad after only one year of professionalism, it was probably a little too early.”
“Aston Villa? I saw huge, impressive infrastructure. I had the feeling that their football and ours were not the same. I went there to hear what the coach had to say to me. I took the time to think and I chose to stay in France.”
The Frenchman’s comments may well fuel the fire of a growing number of Villa fans who are frustrated by manager Steve Bruce, but they could also give fans hope that in the future, under a different regime, Moukoudi may make the switch to Villa Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
