Aston Villa winger Kadan Young is set to embark on a loan move to Royal Antwerp, as reported by Football Insider. The 19-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs this summer but initially chose to remain at Villa Park for the start of the season.
Young's performances with Villa's under-21 squad have not gone unnoticed, drawing attention from multiple Bundesliga teams, as highlighted in a previous report by Football Insider in May. Since then, he has been named on the bench for seven first-team matches and has participated in both of Villa's Carabao Cup fixtures. His contributions included 86 minutes in a victory against Wycombe Wanderers and a brief 12-minute appearance in a defeat to Crystal Palace.
Royal Antwerp has emerged as the leading candidate to secure Young’s services, with a loan agreement nearing completion ahead of the 3 February deadline. The young winger is expected to undergo a medical examination with the Belgian club before finalising a six-month loan deal.
The coaching staff at Aston Villa hold Young in high regard, recognising that regular first-team football will be vital for his development. After demonstrating his potential at the academy level and during limited appearances for the senior squad, the club acknowledges that this represents a crucial juncture in his career.
Aston Villa maintains a positive outlook regarding Young’s future, with hopes that his time at Antwerp will enhance his skills and performance. The club is eager to see him make significant progress that could eventually secure him a place in Unai Emery's first-team plans. A move to the Belgian Pro League is viewed as a promising opportunity for Young, particularly as Royal Antwerp currently sits fourth in the league standings. The club is actively seeking to bolster its squad in pursuit of European qualification, although their chances of claiming the title appear slim, trailing the league leaders by 14 points.
In related news, Samuel Iling-Junior is also undergoing a medical with Middlesbrough, with a deal reportedly in place. Fans of Aston Villa and football enthusiasts alike are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources for further updates on the club and other football news.