Aston Villa youngster Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba saw a potential late transfer away from Villa Park halted after suffering a shoulder injury in training.
West Ham United made an enquiry for the 19-year-old during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, according to Jacob Tanswell’s detailed account of Aston Villa’s business for The Athletic.
Villa were willing to allow Jimoh-Aloba to leave if the right opportunity emerged.
However, the midfielder’s shoulder problem meant any potential transfer had to be postponed.
There is no suggestion West Ham reached an agreement with Villa, so the development should be viewed as an enquiry rather than a collapsed deal.
West Ham made late Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba enquiry
The revelation provides another insight into the decisions Villa made around their highly-rated academy players this summer.
Jimoh-Aloba has spent several years around Villa’s youth and senior setup after joining the academy from West Bromwich Albion in 2023.
Aston Villa’s official player profile describes him as a technical attacking midfielder and details the first-team experience he has already accumulated.
He made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe Wanderers before further appearances against Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
The England youth international also played an important role during Villa’s successful academy campaigns.
Villa therefore faced a decision over whether another loan or permanent opportunity would be more valuable than keeping him around Bodymoor Heath.
West Ham were one of the clubs who explored that possibility.
The injury ultimately removed any immediate decision.
Aston Villa made different calls on academy prospects
Villa took varying approaches with their young players during an unusually busy summer.
George Hemmings was also attracting outside interest, but Unai Emery specifically wanted to keep him.
Preston North End, Swansea City and Sheffield United all showed interest before Villa retained the teenager, as covered in our report on Emery’s George Hemmings decision.
Other prospects were allowed to leave in search of senior football.
Triston Rowe completed a move to Sporting Charleroi, with the Belgian club securing an option to make his Aston Villa exit permanent.
Luka Lynch has also secured a temporary opportunity away from Villa after his Deadline Day switch to Oxford United.
Jimoh-Aloba’s situation was different.
Villa were prepared to consider an exit and West Ham made contact, but an unfortunate training injury prevented the situation developing any further before the window closed.
Attention will now turn towards his recovery and where he fits once he returns.
