Samuel Iling-Junior is undergoing a medical at Middlesbrough today ahead of completing a loan move from Aston Villa, reports Football Insider.
The 21-year-old winger was recalled from his season-long loan at Bologna earlier this week after struggling for game time in Serie A, where he made 16 appearances, only four of which were starts.
Iling-Junior is now on the verge of joining Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough on loan as they push for promotion from the Championship.
Villa Recall Iling-Junior After Bologna Struggles
The England Under-21 international joined Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 from Juventus in a deal worth £11.8 million. However, he was immediately sent on loan to Bologna to gain experience, but his limited minutes prompted Villa to cut the deal short.
Despite not yet featuring for Villa in a competitive match, the club has high hopes for Iling-Junior, with his contract running until 2029. Now, a spell in the Championship could provide him with the platform to gain regular football before returning to Villa Park.
Iling-Junior’s Career Path
Born in London, Iling-Junior started his footballing journey in the Chelsea academy, where he developed a reputation as a highly technical and skilful winger. In 2020, he made the bold move to Italy to join Juventus, where he continued his development in their youth setup.
He initially played for Juventus Next Gen in Serie C, where he made 28 appearances and scored four goals. His performances earned him a call-up to the first team in 2022, and he made his Serie A debut against Empoli. Later that year, he also featured in the Champions League against Benfica, providing an assist in a 4-3 defeat.
In total, he made 45 appearances for Juventus, scoring two goals and registering four assists. His performances caught the eye of Aston Villa, who secured his signature in 2024 as part of a deal that also involved Enzo Barrenechea moving to Villa Park.
On the international stage, Iling-Junior has represented England at various youth levels and was part of the team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough’s loan move for Iling-Junior is a smart piece of business. The winger has top-level experience from Juventus and Bologna, and if he can settle quickly, he could be a key figure in Boro’s promotion challenge. With the transfer window closing soon, this deal could be a major boost for Michael Carrick’s side.