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Aston Villa agree Kesler-Hayden sale as Coventry seal smart deadline deal

John William Last updated: Jun 30, 2025, 10:16 am
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Image: IMAGO / Sportimage

Kaine Kesler-Hayden Aston Villa transfer 2025 headlines a smart bit of business for both Aston Villa and Coventry City.

The two clubs have reached an agreement for the 21-year-old right-back, with a medical scheduled today. The deal is set to be completed before the Premier League’s critical June 30 PSR accounting deadline.

Kesler-Hayden, who joined Villa as a youth player and made just five senior appearances, departs as a pure-profit sale — a timely boost to Unai Emery’s summer budget.

Coventry Snap Up Rising Star of the Championship

Coventry are signing more than just potential. Kesler-Hayden arrives after a stellar season on loan at Preston North End, where he made 51 appearances and swept the club’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Fans’ Player of the Year awards.

“He’s developed massively over the last two years — he’s ready for regular first-team football.” — Preston Coaching Source

Why Aston Villa Moved Fast

Villa needed to raise funds before 30 June to stay on the right side of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. As a homegrown player, Kesler-Hayden’s fee will be recorded as 100% profit, making him a valuable asset in more ways than one.

He featured briefly under Emery in the Premier League, including games against Wolves and Crystal Palace, but a long-term breakthrough at Villa Park always felt unlikely with Matty Cash ahead of him.

Loan Journeyman to Permanent Star

Kesler-Hayden’s journey includes five loan spells in four years:

  • Swindon Town (League Two)
  • MK Dons (League One)
  • Huddersfield Town
  • Plymouth Argyle
  • Preston North End
  • Each stint pushed his development forward. His form at Preston has now earned him a deserved permanent move — and a new platform to flourish in the Championship.

    Club Appearances
    Swindon (2021) 20
    MK Dons (2021–22) 21
    Huddersfield (2022) 15
    Plymouth (2023) 12
    Preston (2023–24) 51

    Analyst Verdict

    Aston Villa's decision is pragmatic — a pure PSR win. But Coventry might just have landed the best young right-back in the Championship.

    Key Insights

    • Kesler-Hayden deal confirmed before June 30 deadline
    • Will count as 100% profit in Villa’s books
    • Coventry sign Preston’s triple award-winning full-back
    • No future buy-back clause reported yet

    What’s Next?

    Expect more Villa academy exits in the coming days as the club manages FFP pressures. Coventry, meanwhile, are building a squad ready to push for promotion.

    Should Aston Villa have held onto Kesler-Hayden — or was this the perfect time to sell? Drop your take in the comments!

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