Udinese complete permanent signing of Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis
Udinese have completed the permanent signing of striker Keinan Davis from Aston Villa, the clubs have confirmed. The 26-year-old English forward, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at the Serie A club, has now signed a contract with the Italian side until 2027, according to a club statement.
The deal, reported to be in the region of €1.5 million, sees the 26-year-old make his move to the Fruili Stadium permanent after a successful 12-month loan spell. Davis, who came through the academy at Aston Villa, made 25 appearances in all competitions for Udinese last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists as the club secured its Serie A status. His powerful, physical style of play made him a key component in the team's attack, and his performances were enough to convince the club's hierarchy to make the move permanent.
Davis began his career with the Aston Villa academy but found first-team opportunities at Villa Park limited, making 86 appearances and scoring 5 goals over several seasons. He had a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the Championship during the 2021/22 season, which helped Forest secure promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. His performances in the Italian top flight have been a continuation of his development, showcasing his ability as a target forward who can hold up play and bring teammates into the game.
For Udinese, securing Davis on a long-term deal provides manager Fabio Cannavaro with a known and trusted asset as the club looks to build a more stable and competitive squad. The club has a history of developing players and selling them for a profit, and Davis, at 26, represents a player in his prime who can lead the line and link the attack. For Davis, the move offers the chance to settle at a club where he has already found a rhythm and a defined role, a stark contrast to the sporadic game time he experienced in the Premier League.
The move also represents a significant step in Davis's career, moving away from the club where he developed as a youth. His journey, which includes a non-league stint and a period working as a barber, has been well-documented, but his focus is now firmly on establishing himself as a key figure in Udine. The transfer is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move for Udinese, securing a proven Serie A performer for a modest fee. His continued development will be crucial for a Udinese side looking to move away from the lower mid-table battles of recent seasons.
