Getting valuable playing time and experience benefits both the club and the player. For Aston Villa, being able to send a young talent to a good environment that allows him to gain some experience on the pitch can only serve to benefit all parties.
This will be the case for Josh Feeney, as it was announced on Monday that he would be joining Huddersfield Town on loan for the duration of the 2025-2026 campaign. At only 20, the center-back is someone who offers Villa a lot of promise.
His playing in the current side under Unai Emery, however, is not something that is a realistic expectation at the moment. Between players at the top of the rotation of Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Tyrone Mings' caliber, there would not be too much room for hope that Feeney would be able to see too much time on the pitch.
Granted, there is an argument to be made for his staying at the club and playing for the youth side. At a certain point, though, it makes more sense to see how someone performs in a first-team setting. Not that development does not take place in the younger Villa sides. It certainly does.
Good experience for Aston Villa defender
Depending on the situation, it could be more beneficial for individuals to test the waters at a different club and fight for a spot in the starting XI there. Last year, Feeney did just that as he joined Shrewsbury Town on loan. Now, he will face the challenge of looking to help Huddersfield Town in League One as they fight for a chance to earn a spot at the Championship level of play.
It is just one more aspect for Villa fans to pay attention to this season. Last year, despite the club ultimately being relegated, Feeney had, by all accounts, a good showing for himself at Shrewsbury Town. Now, the defender will look to continue to build on that momentum.