Aston Villa are poised to bolster their youth ranks with the imminent signing of 17-year-old striker Mason Cotcher from Sunderland's academy according to reports from The Daily Telegraph. England youth international is set to undergo a medical on Friday, marking a pivotal step towards his transfer to the Premier League club.
Mason Cotcher has been turning heads with his exceptional performances at the youth level. Known for his versatility, Cotcher can play as a central striker, attacking midfielder, or on the left wing. He has scored an impressive 12 goals in 31 appearances in the Premier League's under-18 division. His talent has attracted interest from top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Rangers.
Despite trials with Arsenal and Ipswich Town where he demonstrated his skills and even scored for their reserve side. Aston Villa seem to have secured Cotcher's signature. The club have reached an agreement with Sunderland for a permanent transfer, with only minor formalities remaining.
🟣🔵 Aston Villa have sent formal bid to Sunderland for England U17 striker Mason Cotcher.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2024
He’s already training with Villa youth squad and impressing with his performances.
Villa want to anticipate other PL clubs and sign Cotcher as potential new talent for the Academy. pic.twitter.com/dbN0lDnuPU
The pursuit of Cotcher aligns with Aston Villa's broader strategy under manager Unai Emery. The club are focused on investing in young talents with significant potential, preparing for their upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign following a top-four finish last season. This summer, Villa have spent over £150 million on eight new additions, emphasising their commitment to strengthening both their first team and youth ranks.
Cotcher's decision not to sign a professional contract with Sunderland last summer allowed him to explore opportunities with various high-profile clubs. His standout performances during the Premier League U18 title race with Manchester City in the 2022/23 season caught the attention of many. He was even named in Sunderland's first team squad for an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town, although he will leave the club without making a senior debut.
At Aston Villa, Cotcher is expected to start with the under-21 squad, with potential appearances in the senior team. The move to Villa could accelerate his development and position him as a future star in the Premier League. The acquisition of Mason Cotcher represents a strategic investment in young talent, reinforcing the club's commitment to building a strong foundation for sustained success.
While specific financial details of the transfer have not been disclosed, Sunderland are entitled to a fee, which will be negotiated between the clubs or determined by an independent tribunal if necessary.