Aston Villa officially announced that 19-year-old Welsh defender Thierry Katsukunya has signed a new contract with the club and will continue to stay with the team.

As an important member of Aston Villa's youth training system, Kasukunya's contract extension shows the club's high recognition of his future potential. Kasukunya joined Villa from Coventry City in November 2021, signed a youth training scholarship in July 2022, and completed the signing of a professional contract in September of the same year, and has developed rapidly.

Last season, Kasukunya was a regular starter for Aston Villa's U21 team, playing 16 games in Premier League 2, while also performing consistently in the UEFA Youth League and Vertu Trophy.

In addition to the club level, Kasukunya has also gradually emerged on the international stage. In March this year, he made his debut for the Welsh U21 national team and made his debut in the 1-0 victory over Andorra, contributing his defensive strength to the national team.

Aston Villa Academy Manager Mark Harrison spoke highly of the young player: "Thierry is a key player in our U21 team and has played a key role in many important cup competitions."

"He is a very competitive and physically fit central defender who has also made the Welsh U21 national team. We are very pleased to see him renew his contract and look forward to his continued growth this season. We do not rule out the possibility of him being loaned out for training."

As Aston Villa continues to invest in the youth training system, Kasukunya's contract extension further reflects the club's long-term plan for young talent training. Fans have reason to expect that Kasukunya will shine on a higher level in the near future.