Official: Iling-Junior joins Bologna from Aston Villa | OneFootball

English winger Samuel Iling-Junior has officially joined Bologna from Aston Villa.

The former Chelsea winger had completed a permanent transfer to Aston Villa from Juventus less than two months ago, but he has already returned to Serie A.

Bologna confirmed on Tuesday that the 20-year-old has returned to the Stadio Dall’Ara on loan.

“Bologna FC 1909 can announce that forward Samuel Iling-Junior has joined the Club on loan from Aston Villa FC until 30 June 2025,” the Rossoblu said in a statement.

The deal does not include an option to buy, so the 20-year-old is expected to return to Aston Villa at the end of the season.

Iling-Junior was drafted in following an injury to  Nicolò Cambiaghi, who will remain out of action for several months with a knee injury.

“The fourth British player in Club history, he is an offensive winger capable of playing on either side,” Bologna continued.

“Extremely quick, explosive, gifted with a skill for powerful acceleration on the ball and dribbling capabilities, he knows how to build an advantage and is dangerous from a distance.

“With a notable athletic and aerobic capacity, his style of play consists of continuous runs and one-to-one plays that often bring him into the opposition box where he also manages to make an impact in terms of assists.

“A Chelsea wonderkid, he played for the England National Team at youth level (up to U21). He made his professional football debut with Juventus, alternating between a spot in their Serie C formation and Allegri’s senior side. He shone in his first appearances for the Bianconeri and secured himself a regular place in the First Team from December 2022. Despite the competition with Kostic and Cambiaso, he picked up 36 appearances in the top division in a year and a half, contributing to the Coppa Italia title win. He moved back to his home nation with the sale to Aston Villa at the start of July 2024, fresh from Champions League qualifying, and now joins the Rossoblù from the Birmingham side.”

Iling-Junior, a former Chelsea winger, has played 36 games in Serie A, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

The Englishman won the Coppa Italia with Juventus last season.

Iling-Junior spent four years at Juventus and joined Aston Villa in July alongside Enzo Barrenechea for €14m plus €3m add-ons.