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Aston Villa have confirmed that young midfielder I-Lani Edwards has joined non-league Hereford FC on a loan basis for the entirety of the 2025-26 season - and he'll work under City favourite and Bulls boss Paul Caddis as he does so.
Edwards joined when he was ten years old and has progressed through the academy ranks and into the club's under 21s this past season, having penned a professional contract last summer. The 19-year-old made one Vertu Trophy appearance last season,
The youngster, who also played in six Premier League two games under former 21s boss Josep Gombau last term, including a start, will feature for National League North outfit Hereford in the forthcoming campaign and work under former , Celtic and Scotland right-back , who has managed there since 2023.
“I want to start by thanking Tony Carrs, Adam Henshaw and all the football staff at Aston Villa for trusting us with I-Lani and his development, but most importantly understanding the financial restraint we have and making this deal possible for both I-Lani and us as a football club," Caddis told the club's website.
“I-Lani is a dynamic, forward-thinking midfield player who I believe can further his football career by spending time in senior football. He is someone I have huge admiration and trust in to come in and make an impact for us, and I am really looking forward to working with him. Further to that, for those who are asking, yes, he is 'someone I’ve had my eye on for some time'.”
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