Whelan slams Carney Chukwuemeka amid ‘greedy’ Aston Villa claim
Noel Whelan has urged the agents of Carney Chukwuemeka to “step back” as the midfielder continues his contract standoff at Aston Villa.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 18-year-old must prevent greed from coming first over his development as a footballer.
As quoted by club media on Wednesday (13 July), Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard confirmed that the Chukwuemeka had gone on the pre-season tour to Australia because he has not signed a new deal.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week (11 July) that Barcelona are admirers of the England youth international as they see his “huge potential”.
Chukwuemeka is available for a compensation fee in six months as he has entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park.
Whelan suggested Aston Villa is the best place for the young midfielder – who won the Under-19 European Championships with England last month.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Look, he’s 18 years of age. He needs to realise that there will always be more experienced players in front of him right now.
“This is not a time to get your agent to start pushing for a move, it’s a time to learn your trade. It will improve his game no end just to be training and playing alongside his Villa teammates.
“If you start pushing your way out, it doesn’t make any sense. If he goes to Barcelona, he’s guaranteed to get even less game time than he does now.
“The agents need to step back and let him grow, rather than the greed coming first.
“Let him get the experience and learning out the way.”
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