Unfortunately for both, FFP concerns meant Villa needed income and the £5m offered by the Tigers helped to balance the books.
Two months on, it’s not hard to see why fans were so disappointed, nor why Emery spoke of “potential and possibilities” for the 21-year-old winger during a string of stellar pre-season displays.
Pre-weekend, Philogene had scored three goals and made four in his nine appearances for the Tigers this season, the latest a sublime winner against Preston that showcased the speed and close control that have made him an instant hero on Humberside.
“That’s what he’s capable of,” said Hull boss Liam Rosenior after watching Philogene weave between two men before slamming an unstoppable finish beyond Freddie Woodman. “If he keeps working hard and showing his ability, he has the potential to go right to the very top.”
Possibly with Villa, who insisted on a buyback clause in the deal that took Philogene to the MKM. The Premier League side signed Philogene at the age of 17, when he was attached to the Pro:Direct Academy in London.
Released by Brentford at 13, he’d also been rejected by Watford, Wolves and Southampton before a spectacular trial game at Villa in December 2018 left youth coaches rubbing their eyes. He was signed on the spot.
Denne historien er fra November 05, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra November 05, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
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ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
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MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
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POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.