Aston Villa announce contract extension for defender

Aston Villa defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden has signed a new extended contract with the club.

The right-back's previous deal was due to end in 2026, but Villa have moved to secure him for more years.

Kesler-Hayden was recalled from his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle back in January after he had joined The Pilgrims with a view of playing his first full Championship campaign The 21-year-old signed for Huddersfield Town on loan in 2022/23, but returned to Villa in January too.

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Unai Emery wanted to take a closer look at Kesler-Hayden at Bodymoor Heath last January, but Villa's decision to recall him came as a surprise to Plymouth, who then took left-back Lino Sousa on loan from Villa following the teenager's permanent move from Arsenal to the Midlands.

Kesler-Hayden joined Villa at an early age and came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath, captaining Villa to FA Youth Cup success in 2021.

He made his Premier League debut in Villa's 2-0 win over Wolves at Villa Park in March, before then making a further two appearances against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Kesler-Hayden also made his European debut for Villa last season, as he came on as a substitute at Olympiacos.

Meanwhile, Charlie Pavey, I-Lani Edwards, Sam Lewis and Ajani Burchall have all signed their first professional contracts with Villa.

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