Aston Villa teenager Brian Madjo has made a strong impression in pre-season, scoring four goals for the Premier League club. The 17-year-old centre-forward has a promising future with the team, and his recent performances have caught the eye of boss Unai Emery.
What happened?
Aston Villa signed Brian Madjo in January 2026 for a price of £10 million (€12 million) on a five-and-a-half-year contract. However, FIFA regulations initially prohibited his registration owing to severe laws governing the international movement of children under 18.
Why it matters for Aston Villa
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld Aston Villa's appeal, saying that Madjo's British birth and UK citizenship render him instantly eligible to play competitive matches for the 2026–27 season. This is a significant boost for the team, who are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
What comes next?
Aston Villa are set to face Bournemouth in their next fixture on February 10, 2027. The team will be looking to build on their pre-season form and make a strong start to the new season. With Madjo's impressive performances, they may be in good shape to do so.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Premier League, 65 pts, 19W-8D-11L from 38 games, recent form WWDLL. Goals this season: 56 scored, 49 conceded (+7 goal difference). Title race: 20 points behind leaders Arsenal. Next fixture: vs Bournemouth (at home, 2027-02-10) (6th in the table).
