Former Aston Villa academy star Omari Kellyman has now penned a heartfelt goodbye to the club after joining Chelsea.
Aston Villa have said their goodbyes to Omari Kellyman, who joined Chelsea in a shock £19m transfer.
The Englishman secured a move to the Blues after making six senior appearances in Unai Emery’s squad over the 2023/24 campaign.
Now, the 18-year-old has penned a message to Villa fans following his departure, outlining what made his short time at the club so special.
Omari Kellyman says goodbye to Aston Villa after Chelsea transfer
At the start of the transfer window, not many would have anticipated that Kellyman would be one of the players to leave Villa this summer.
The teenager had become a player on the fringe of the first team under Emery however, due to PSR concerns, he was selected to generate profit in the window.
After joining Villa from Derby County in 2022 for just £600,000, Monchi secured a healthy profit by sealing a deal with Chelsea for the prospect.
Taking to his social media after the deal was announced, Kellyman thanked Villa for his time in the Midlands.
“Thank you for my time at Aston Villa FC. I’ve loved every minute of it from walking through the door at Bodymoor in 2022 to my last season in 2024.
“Special moments such as making my European debut at Villa Park in front of you amazing fans, and then my Premier League debut at the Etihad, were dreams come true and are moments that will stay with me forever.
“I want to thank all of the staff, my teammates, and all you fans for the love and support. I will not forget you.”
The attacking midfielder showed huge promise and claret and blue and will be greatly missed in the academy, with Chelsea acquiring the 18-year-old ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Kellyman transfer was a necessary, but difficult sale for Villa
No club would want to see one of their strongest academy prospects leave to a Premier League rival however, Kellyman’s departure was essential for Villa.
This summer, the side had PSR concerns looming over Villa Park, amounting to Monchi and Emery having to part ways with some of the best at the club.
As well as the academy jewel, Douglas Luiz is set to depart, with youngster Tim Iroegbunam also leaving in order to generate much-needed profit.
Thankfully, the sale of Kellyman has contributed to Villa sufficiently offloading players to lower their risk of breaching PSR although, the 18-year-old’s exit is a shame for the club.
For now, everyone at Aston Villa will wish Kellyman all the best in the future, as he embarks on a new journey in West London.
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