Aston Villa get permission to register ‘next Drogba’ after lengthy court battle following transfer seven months ago

ASTON VILLA have finally registered the signing of Brian Madjo after a SEVEN-MONTH court battle. Villa initially landed Madjo, 17, in January following a £10million deal with Metz but had been unable to register him due to Fifa‘s rules regarding international transfers of underaged players. Aston Villa have finally registered the signing of Brian Madjo Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Madjo can finally play for Villa after a long seven-month court battle Credit: Getty Images – Getty The striker – dubbed “the next Didier Drogba” – was born in Enfield and is thus a UK citizen but left England with his family at a young age. The England Under-17 international was raised in Luxembourg and Fifa rules got in the way. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! However, Villa took matters to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and their appeal was upheld. Madjo, who has a contract until 2032, has impressed during the Villans’ pre-season as he counts four goals during summer friendlies. Villa issued the following announcement: “Aston Villa can confirm that the club’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the registration of Brian Madjo has been upheld. “17-year-old Madjo signed for the club from Metz in January. “Born in Enfield, London and a UK citizen, he left England at a young age and was raised in Luxembourg but has been unable to play due to Fifa’s rules on the international transfer of minors. “The striker has scored four goals in pre-season so far, including two in the opening friendly fixture against Walsall. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “The court’s decision today means that Brian will be registered as an Aston Villa player and eligible to play in official competition matches for the forthcoming season.” Villa are also targeting another striker during the summer transfer window in Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. Jackson played under Unai Emery at Villarreal but Blues manager Xabi Alonso will want to first make a full assessment of his entire frontline before making any final decisions. Jackson is also wanted at Tottenham. However, Madjo carries a lot of promise with his height and physicality leading to comparisons with Chelsea legend Drogba. The centre-forward spent a year with Metz where he amassed 13 goals in 27 appearances with the Under-19s and also played five times with the senior team. Madjo also amassed three caps with Luxembourg before switching allegiances to England’s Under-17s last August. Comment now