Teenager Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba returns to West Bromwich Albion after two-and-a-half years away.
The attacking midfielder played for the Baggies from Under-7s before signing his first contract as an Under-9.
He then progressed through Albion's academy, showing his quality and regularly playing a year above his age group as a result.
His younger brother, Muiz, is also still with Albion, playing as a defender in the club's Under-15s.
Jamal joined Aston Villa in August 2023, and he signed his first professional contract two months later.
After impressing in Villa’s under-18s and under-21s, Jimoh-Aloba made his first-team debut against Wycombe Wanderers in a Carabao Cup third-round clash in September 2024.
The then 18-year-old would follow that up with two more first-team appearances in cup competitions against Crystal Palace and Cardiff City over the next couple of months.
The goals started to flow for the youngster as he netted nine and provided four assists in 32 outings throughout that same season. This included a goal and an assist in Villa’s FA Youth Cup Final triumph over Manchester City.
He was also on the bench in the Premier League on seven occasions in 2024/25.
In the current campaign, Jamal became a more regular part of the first team at Aston Villa, featuring in the Carabao Cup, EFL Trophy and - in the last five weeks - the Premier League and Europa League.
Jimoh-Aloba made his top-flight debut against Arsenal at the end of December, coming on for the final few minutes of their defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
However, his Europa League debut was a much greater occasion for the teenager, who came on and scored an 87th-minute winner against Red Bull Salzburg at the end of January.
And now, high on confidence, Jamal will be determined to make an impact in the Sky Bet Championship with Eric Ramsay’s side.
