Aston Villa have reportedly agreed on a first professional contract with Rory Wilson after he has impressed at youth level for us this year.
Wilson joined us from Rangers last summer, and the 17-year-old has since gone on to score eight goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, proving himself capable of making the next step in his career and showcasing his potential.
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While his more immediate focus will remain on developing his game and continuing to improve, his longer-term future may well now be sorted, as according to Fabrizio Romano in his tweet below, Villa have agreed terms on a first professional contract with the talented forward.
It’s added that the deal will likely be officially confirmed soon, but it’s great news that we’ve managed to keep a big prospect for the future at the club, and it’s hoped that he continues to make progress and eventually stakes a claim for a role at senior level.
Time will tell what Villa plan to do with him, as ultimately it might make sense to keep him within the Academy set-up for another year at least, and then perhaps consider a loan elsewhere for him to gain experience and test himself at a higher level against senior professionals.
Villa currently have a crop of highly talented young players, and so Unai Emery will no doubt be involved in discussions and decision-making moving forward, as if these youngsters aren’t in his plans in the short term, it’s vital we send them out on loan to the right clubs where they will play and develop.
Off the back of that, he can then reassess where they sit in his pecking order – beginning this summer when several return from loan spells elsewhere – and so Wilson will hope to be in the mix in the coming years.
Aston Villa have reached an agreement for talented striker Rory Wilson to sign his first professional deal, considered one of the most interesting Academy talents for the future 🟣🔵 #AVFC
Deal will be completed soon, Wilson scored 17 goals this year — joined AVFC from Rangers. pic.twitter.com/ZU16KfUeQ0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2023