Aston Villa allowed Samuel Iling-Junior to join West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan during last summer’s transfer deadline day.
The winger has struggled to make a major impact at The Hawthorns, scoring once and failing to register an assist. His only goal came in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City back in September.
Iling-Junior featured regularly, logging 1,290 minutes across 24 appearances, and kept his spot in the team even after Eric Ramsay took charge last month.
However, his spell at West Brom now appears to be ending. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports the 22-year-old is set to complete a surprise switch to Pisa on deadline day. The move is described as a “surprise coup” for the newly promoted Serie A side, with Iling-Junior expected to join on loan for the remainder of the season. His temporary deal at West Brom is set to be cut short to make the transfer possible.
Italian outlet La Nazione provides further insight into the former Juventus player’s anticipated return to Italy from Aston Villa.
Pisa currently sit 19th in Serie A, three points behind 17th-placed Lecce, and dismissed head coach Alberto Gilardino on Sunday.
The club are reportedly moving to appoint Oscar Hiljemark as their new manager while simultaneously working to strengthen the squad before the window closes.
La Nazione states Pisa are “very close” to finalising terms with Villa, making the development one of deadline day’s unexpected stories.
Iling-Junior joined Aston Villa from Juventus in 2024 but has yet to make a senior appearance under Unai Emery. Since arriving in England, he has had loan spells with Bologna, Middlesbrough and West Brom.
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