Aston Villa, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Tottenham are monitoring the situation of Hull City winger Jaden Philogene according to journalist Ekrem Konur.
The 22-year-old has been attracting attention from a range of clubs across Europe this season and has been one of the most eye-catching players in the Sky Bet Championship this season. Philogene joined Hull from Aston Villa in September for £5 million and a £15 million buy-back clause was included as part of the deal.
Philogene currently has two years left on his deal at the Tigers and is enjoying a sublime individual season scoring eight goals and registering six assists in the Championship, as well as gaining a reputation as a sensational dribbler, earning him a call-up to the England u-21 side. The 22-year-old has become an integral part of a Hull City team aiming for a top-six finish and a return to the top flight for the first time since 2017. Hull are currently sat in sixth place, occupying a play-off place.
How does the buy-back clause work?
Aston Villa’s buy-back clause may, on paper, seem like they have the upper hand in any deal that takes place. However, that is not necessarily the case. Hull City vice-chairman Tan Kesler has recently reiterated the technicalities of the agreement, revealing that the clause only becomes active should Hull achieve promotion to the Premier League. Kesler also said that should the clause become active, Villa would have to match any rival bid that Hull accept.
” Villa’s buy-back fee stands at £15m, but if another club were to offer £20m, then City would be able to accept that unless Villa matched it.”
Is there a front-runner for Philogene’s signature?
Despite there being a long queue of top-flight teams eager to add Philogene to their ranks, it does appear that one team is more keen than others at this moment in time. It has been reported by Teamtalk that Tottenham Hotspur are currently the favourites to land the England u-21 international.
It is reported that Philogene fits the profile of what Ange Postecoglu wants in a winger and that regular checks have been made on Philogene by Spurs this season. Tottenham are currently keen to add wingers to their squad this summer and Hull’s star man is certainly on their shortlist.