The 20-year-old is a Chelsea youth product who then made his big splash at the Allianz Stadium. Former Juventus manager Max Allegri decided to promote him from the Next Gen squad to the first team in October 2022.
However, the youngster wasn’t part of Thiago Motta’s plans, so the Bianconeri decided to include him, alongside Enzo Barrenechea in the swap deal that saw Douglas Luiz arrive at Continassa.
But after failing to convince Aston Villa manager Enai Emery, Iling-Junior opted for a swift return to Serie A. He revealed that a conversation with the Spanish manager was enough to convince him to pack his bags and leave Birmingham.
“I played a few games for Aston Villa in the summer, then I spoke to the manager and I understood that there wasn’t much space for me. And since I appreciate honesty, I preferred to look for a team where I could have more playing time,” said the youngster during his unveiling via TuttoMercatoWeb.
The winger also explained that Vincenzo Italiano and the Champions League lure were two factors that pushed him towards Bologna.
“Here in Bologna there is a good project, as I had already seen last season. In the summer I moved to Aston Villa then came the offer from Bologna, a city I like with a manager I respect and I decided to come here.
“The emotion of the Champions League is always special. It was beautiful. I was already struck by the atmosphere and the fans last season.”
The Englishman also remains grateful for Allegri who helped him improve defensively.
“I have to thank Allegri a lot. He helped me understand the defensive phase. With Mister Italiano, we always put so much energy on the field, and this is the type of football I like.”
