Aston Villa winger Samuel Iling-Junior has spoken exclusively to Sky Sports about his recent summer transfer and the upcoming Champions League match against his parent club, Villa. The 21-year-old Chelsea academy graduate returned to Italy shortly after joining Villa in a deal worth £11.6 million this summer, which saw Douglas Luiz move to Juventus.
Following his transfer, Iling-Junior has been loaned to Bologna for the season. Despite this brief return to England, he expressed confidence in his potential role within Unai Emery's squad, stating that Aston Villa made him feel "wanted" during negotiations. He commented, "You always want to feel wanted and have conversations with the people around you."
Iling-Junior participated in 185 minutes of pre-season action for Villa against teams including Walsall and RB Leipzig, highlighting that the loan deal was finalised in the interest of his development. He noted, "I could have had another year where I was coming off the bench and not getting as many minutes as I would like."
The London-born winger mentioned that his close friend Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid star who came up through Birmingham City, reached out to him following his transfer. "We had a little conversation in the summer, and he said anything in Birmingham, just give him a call!" Iling-Junior said. Additionally, he acknowledged that teammate Morgan Rogers was eager to hear news of his move, showcasing the supportive environment among Villa players.
As Villa prepares to face Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday, Iling-Junior is set to play against his parent club. He emphasised that while he would not celebrate if he scores, he sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities. "It will be a good opportunity to show the fans what I can do and hopefully I get a warm welcome," he said.
Iling-Junior has versatility in his game, capable of playing on the right, left, or even in the midfield. Given the current injuries to other squad members, including Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey, his adaptability could prove vital for Aston Villa this season. He concluded, "I think it depends on the formation and the manager's tactics... Understanding them and fulfilling the manager's demands, showing an impact in the game."