Ciaran Morrison

Sun 15 March 2026 19:00, UK

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Aston Villa remain in a complex situation trying to register the January signing of forward Brian Madjo.

That is according to ex-Aston Villa, Everton, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, as FIFA rules state that Aston Villa can’t register Madjo until he turns 18.

Madjo joined the Villans from Bundesliga club Mainz in a deal worth £10million, but FIFA say the 17-year-old can’t yet be registered as he was raised in Luxembourg and joined from an overseas club, despite being born in England.

Aston Villa have faced transfer issues in recent seasons due to profit and sustainability rules, with Madjo one of four January additions.

Aston Villa have a case to register Brian Madjo

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – can understand the rules on international transfers.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has some sympathy for Aston Villa over the situation.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, this is one of the weirdest football stories. I mean, the kid was born in London, it’s weird.

“Yet they’re saying, because he’s an international transfer, that he can’t come and play in the UK until he’s 18. I understand the need for rules about shipping and moving young players around the world like financial assets. I get that, and of course they’re all quite right.

“But in this case, while he was born in London, it would seem that there is a case for Villa to say that he could be allowed to be registered. He’d played in Luxembourg, and so, since Brexit, there isn’t that EU clearance he brought up in Luxembourg. 

“And I think he’s actually qualified for their national team at some stage. Look, it’s one of those weird little, you know, football idiosyncrasies.”

Aston Villa in Julian Brandt transfer race

Sources have told Football Insider that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt is a target for Aston Villa in the summer.

Brandt will be available on a free transfer, which would suit Aston Villa as they continue to balance their spending against financial rules.

Unai Emery’s side will face competition for the 29-year-old, who has been at Borussia Dortmund for the past seven years.