'Chapter ends' - Aston Villa ace who starred vs Liverpool confirms exit after transfer decision

Aston Villa under-23 goalkeeper Akos Onodi has announced he’s leaving the club. The Hungarian, who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup against Liverpool in 2021, will depart for a new challenge after Villa chiefs decided against renewing his contract.

The 20-year-old, who spent the season on-loan at Bromsgrove Sporting, said: “This chapter in my life ends. These four years will always have a special place in my heart along with all the coaches and staff members who I got to know and worked with at Aston Villa.

“Special thanks to Bromsgrove Sporting, who took me in and trusted me, gave me the opportunity to play senior football and gain experience with them. What a great club with even greater supporters! Also, my teammates, especially my fellow goalkeepers who all pushed me to higher levels. It is not a goodbye, rather a see you soon kind of season ending, because I hope to see everyone along our ways some day. I wish all the very best to everybody for the future.”

Onodi was signed back in July 2017 from Hungarian club Gyor while, in January 2021 amid a Covid outbreak amongst Dean Smith’s first team, was thrust in to start against Jurgen Klopp’s near full-strength Reds which consisted of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah amongst others. Villa fielded a team of under-18s and under-23s and equalised through Louie Barry before Liverpool pulled away to win 4-1 as Mane (2), Gini Wijnaldum and Salah scored.

Onodi faced 17 attempts on his goal that night, and here’s what we said: “Had no chance with Mane's bullet header which sailed past his near post. The Hungarian international then produced a few outstanding saves, first it was to deny Fabinho's directed effort on the 20-minute mark, tipping it around the post. Onodi then saved well