Walsall FC are delighted to announce the signing of winger Corey Blackett-Taylor on loan from Championship side Aston Villa until the end of the season, subject to the necessary clearance.
The 21-year-old becomes the Saddlers’ seventh signing of the January transfer window, and second in as many days following the arrival of Aramide Oteh on Wednesday from QPR.
“I’m delighted to get the move done and I can’t wait to get going and gain some first-team experience with Walsall,” said Blackett-Taylor.
“I’ve been playing at the Banks’s on and off now for around three years with the development side at Villa so I feel used to the stadium which should will help me settle in well.
“I believe Walsall is the perfect club for me to develop and have my first loan spell away from Villa.
“It will definitely help my progression being in and around a professional environment.
“It’s going to help me knowing that points mean something, that you’ve got to fight for them because there is stuff on the line.
“I’m hoping this loan move and getting into a routine will put me in good stead for the future.”
Manager Dean Keates said: “Corey is an exciting young talent.
“We’ve had the opportunity to watch him a number of times due to our excellent relationship with Villa who play their Under-23s games here at the Banks’s Stadium.
“Corey is the brother of Daryl Taylor, who I am sure our fans will remember fondly having coming up through the ranks to play a number of first-team games for us.
“I’m also grateful to Dean Smith and Richard O’Kelly for allowing Corey to continue his development with us.
“He’s another one who will give me plenty of food for thought in terms of team selection and further strengthens our squad.”
The Erdington-born youngster has represented England at Under-17 level and made two first-team appearances for Villa, with his first coming against Huddersfield in March 2017 and most recent against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup in September 2017.
Predominantly a winger, Blackett-Taylor can operate on either flank and has also played in the number 10 role during his 11-year spell with Villa, having joined the club aged nine.