Despite the transfer deadline passing at 6:00 pm, we have just now seen a conclusion to a rather contentious deal. Our young defender Tiago Ilori has joined Aston Villa on a season long loan – certainly not a bad move in itself – but reports suggest there is an option to buy come the end of the season (via the Liverpool Echo).
BREAKING NEWS: Aston Villa complete the signing of Tiago Llori on season-long loan from Liverpool http://t.co/To66V4quuu #SkyDeadlineDay
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) September 1, 2015
The 22-year-old is yet to get his chance at the club, but has shown real promise not only while on loan, but with the Portuguese youth side as well. He was particularly superb in the European U21 Championship, and was a major part of their defensive stability.
The versatile youngster can play anywhere along the back line, but is most comfortable in central defence. He arguably may not be ready to break into the team just yet, but that isn’t to say he doesn’t have a future at the club.
If we wanted to sell him next season then so be it, but to put the decision out of our hands with the clause allegedly included seems like madness.
We wish him well at Villa Park, but he looks like a potential star of the future, and it would be great to see him back at Anfield in the future.