Bologna signs lease agreement with Aston Villa for Samuel Iling-Junior

Samuel Iling-Junior looks set to make an immediate return to Serie A just weeks after moving from Juventus to Aston Villa.

The England youth international moved to Villa Park in early July as part of the deal that saw Douglas Luiz join Juventus – although the transfers were priced separately for accounting reasons.

But Iling-Junior made just one appearance for his new club, in a friendly against Walsall earlier this summer.

Earlier in August he was unused as a substitute in the friendly against Borussia Dortmund, but last weekend he was left out of the squad altogether for the 2024/25 Premier League season opener against West Ham United.

Aston Villa loan Samuel Iling-Junior to Bologna

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Bologna have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Iling-Junior on a season-long loan.

#Calciomercato | @Bolognafc1909on arrival Samuel #IlingJunior in a minute of@AVFCOfficieel @SkySport

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 23, 2024

The Red and Blues hope to gain more strength and depth after their surprising qualification for the Champions League.

Iling-Junior is only 20 years old but already has a wealth of experience, having made 45 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, including 36 in Serie A.

The London-born star also offers Bologna plenty of versatility, as he can play on either flank and as a left-back.

Bologna’s loan move for Iling-Junior is not expected to be a permanent option, with Aston Villa viewing the youngster as a key link in their future.