Aston Villa complete deal to sign England youth international Mason Cotcher

Aston Villa have completed a deal to sign England Under-17 international Mason Cotcher from Sunderland, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It has been a busy summer at Villa Park, with a number of new players coming through the door as the club look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s Champions League competition.

Players such as Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkey and Jaden Philogene have all arrived, while club record signing Moussa Diaby has left for Saudi club Al-Ittihad.

Aston Villa close to signing Mason Cotcher

Villa is not just about the first team, they also want to strengthen their youth academy and recruit players for the future.

Romano reported that they have agreed a deal with Sunderland for 17-year-old striker Cotcher, who will sign a contract at Villa Park until 2027.

He went to X.com and said:

“Understand that Aston Villa have now agreed a deal to sign England U17 striker Mason Cotcher from Sunderland. The contract until June 2027 will be signed today at #AVFC.”

?? Understand that Aston Villa have now completed a deal to sign England U17 striker Mason Cotcher from Sunderland.

Contract until June 2027 is signed today on #AVFC. photo.twitter.com/6yl7OLxYmP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024

Sunderland will receive a fee if Cotcher signs his first professional contract for their role in his development.

Cotcher, who has two caps for the England Under-17s, made six appearances in the Under-18s Premier League last season, scoring three goals, and one appearance in Premier League 2.

In total, the 17-year-old made 27 appearances for Sunderland under-18s, scoring nine goals, and has also played for the youth teams of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds.

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Villa lost Omari Kellyman from their academy earlier this summer, with the 18-year-old moving to Chelsea for £19million.

It remains to be seen whether Unai Emery’s side will do any more business in the transfer window and whether they will play one final friendly against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday before opening their season at West Ham on August 17.