The young Scotsman will prepare for a new chapter at Villa Parkplaceholder image
The young Scotsman will prepare for a new chapter at Villa Park | Getty Images
The deal needs to be ratified by FIFA as the midfielder is still only 17-years old
Aston Villa left it late on Deadline Day to conclude his team’s business for the summer, as the club signed Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot on loan, as well as Victor Lindelof on a two-year deal. After just one point from their first three games, it’s no surprise that manager Unai Emery is on the look out for reinforcements.
As The Villans prepare for Europa League football, as well as try and change their fortunes domestically, more squad depth is required at Villa Park. Perhaps, because of this, the club have also just completed the signing of Fletcher Boyd from Aberdeen.
The 17-year old, attacking midfielder has bags of potential and isn’t the first Scottish talent to join the Villa youth ranks. Boyd’s move won’t be announced by Aberdeen or Villa until October but he will start training with the Midlands giants in two weeks time.
Villa complete Fletcher Boyd signing on Deadline Day
According to the Daily Record’s transfer Deadline Day aftermath blog, it could be a while until we see the young midfielder in action in a Villa shirt. They say: “Fletcher Boyd has completed his £1 million move from Aberdeen to Aston Villa. The deal for the talented teenager was finalised 24 hours ahead of Monday’s deadline.
“Official confirmation of the deal won’t be announced by both clubs until the switch has been ratified by FIFA. Boyd is under 18 and so there is a more stringent signing process. It can take four to six weeks for that to be finalised. The two clubs have signed the deal off, though, and Boyd will start training with Villa after the international break. The 17-year-old is currently away on Scotland under-19 duty.”
Boyd joins long list of young Scottish Villa prospects
John McGinn, Alan Hutton and Des Bremner are among some notable Scotsmen to play for Villa, as Boyd joins an illustrious list. There is also still a large contingent of Scots in the Villa youth ranks, which could help the youngster settle in.
Boyd will now join fellow young Scots like Rory Wilson, Kerr Smith and Aidan Borland in the Villa under-age ranks. Villa have raided Rangers, Dundee United and Celtic, respectively to land some of their top talent. Boyd came through the Aberdeen academy ranks. The teenager burst onto the scene with two goals in his opening two senior appearances for the Dons. Villa have monitored him closely and have now finally landed him. Aberdeen will net a significant seven figure fee with add-ons.
The young Scot really did burst onto the scene at Aberdeen, as the two goals in two games referred to, came in the 92nd and 93rd minute, showing early signs that Boyd could be a match winner. In total, he made six appearances for The Dons, with his performances earning him Scotland caps at youth level.
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