Premier League outfit Aston Villa have reportedly completed the capture of Derby County’s youth sensation Omari Kellyman.
According to The Athletic, Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Championship strugglers Derby County over the signing of Omari Kellyman. The 16-year-old forward has settled personal terms with the Premier League outfit and is set for a move to the top-flight.
Villa are signing Kellyman outside of January, but as the 16-year-old is only listed as a youth player, he is not bound by any transfer window. It paves the way for the Villans to complete the capture of the teenage prodigy, who is currently a member of the Derby County youth setup.
After being deducted a total of 21 points for breaching the financial regulations, Derby County are currently embroiled in a relegation battle in the Championship. It has forced them to lay off their star players as well as some of their promising youth team players, with the Rams notably losing Luke Plange to Crystal Palace on deadline day.
Derby also had to contend with the departure of Dylan Williams to Chelsea earlier in the window. And it appears Omari Kellyman could be the next youth prospect set for a move away from the Pride Park Stadium. Aston Villa have emerged as his next destination, as the youngster looks to make the next step in his career.
The Northern Irishman is yet to make his breakthrough in the Championship with Derby County. However, at the age of just 16, the youngster has made quite an impression with his performances at the age-group levels and has made four appearances in the Under-18 Premier League this term.
Kellyman’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and it seems Aston Villa are prepared to offer him the platform to make an impact in the top-flight.
The Villans are coming off a busy January transfer window, bagging the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Lucas Digne and Calum Chambers. Although Kellyman is unlikely to be considered a part of the senior squad yet, it won’t be surprising to see the 16-year-old soon make waves in the youth squad and potentially get a look in by Steven Gerrard in the months and years to come.
