Keinan Davis has opened up on his decision to leave Aston Villa, admitting he felt sidelined under Unai Emery and needed to take control of his career before it passed him by.
The striker, now 27, left Villa for Udinese in 2023 after nearly a decade at the Midlands club, but says the signs were clear: he was never going to get consistent minutes under Emery — or even Dean Smith before him.
“I Was Always Second Choice” – Davis Reflects on Villa Years
Davis joined Villa in 2015 after a surprise breakthrough from non-league side Biggleswade Town. He made his senior debut in 2017 and would go on to make 86 appearances across all competitions.
“I knew the time was coming when I needed to go and play, because I was always a second-choice striker. I was on a good contract, but not playing.” — Keinan Davis, via The Athletic
Despite spells of involvement, Davis never felt like a mainstay. Even during the club’s promotions and Premier League survival battles, he struggled to shift from backup status.
Why Davis Felt Unai Emery Wasn’t Going to Use Him
While Davis had already sensed he was on the fringes under previous managers, it became undeniable after Unai Emery took charge.
“I didn’t think I would even break into the first-team dressing room, let alone play in the Premier League. But I knew Emery wasn’t going to give me that chance.”
That realisation pushed him to seek a new challenge — and after loans to Watford and Nottingham Forest, his permanent exit came in 2023.
Where Is Keinan Davis Now?
Davis now plies his trade with Udinese in Serie A. The move came after he initially rejected a switch abroad, but was convinced by those close to him to take the leap.
“My coach at Biggleswade said to me, ‘You’ve been promoted twice, you’re at a good age — go out there and see how it goes.’”
Since joining Udinese, Davis has made 31 appearances over two seasons, scoring twice — though injuries have held him back from finding rhythm.
Davis on Serie A Life and Injury Setbacks
His time in Italy has been stop-start. A series of knocks, including a nine-week injury last season, disrupted his form and confidence.
“It was very hard mentally. It took a long time to get back to how I was.”
Now, fully fit and heading into his third campaign with Udinese, Davis is focused on making his mark and repaying the club’s faith.
Keinan Davis – Career Snapshot
| Club | Years | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 2017–2023 | 86 | 6 |
| Nottingham Forest (loan) | 2021–2022 | 22 | 5 |
| Watford (loan) | 2022–2023 | 34 | 7 |
| Udinese | 2023–Present | 31 | 2 |
Analyst Verdict: Davis Still Has Time to Rebuild
Keinan Davis may never have become the star striker Villa once hoped for, but his honesty, work ethic and physical attributes give him a chance to thrive abroad. If he can stay injury-free, a strong 2025/26 season in Serie A could reignite his career trajectory.
Key Insights
- Davis left Aston Villa in 2023 after realising Emery wouldn’t use him.
- He described himself as a “fast and powerful” striker in The Athletic.
- Now at Udinese, Davis has 2 goals in 31 games, disrupted by injuries.
- Joined Villa from non-league Biggleswade in 2015.
- Said no to Serie A at first but was convinced to take the leap.
What’s Next?
Keinan Davis left Villa with a point to prove — and Italy is where he plans to do it. With his injuries behind him, this season could be his best yet.
Can Davis turn potential into production at Udinese — or is time running out?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 4 Aug 2025 08:02
well his stats says enough why Emery wouldn't play him.
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