Kaine Kesler-Hayden joins Plymouth Argyle on season-long loan from Aston Villa

Plymouth Argyle has announced the signing of 20-year-old Kaine Kesler-Hayden on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

This makes him Argyle's second signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Julio Pleguezuelo.

Born in Birmingham, Kesler-Hayden is a right wing-back who started off in Aston Villa's youth system.

He played 14 times for Huddersfield Town in the Sky Bet Championship last season while on loan. He also spent time on loan with Swindon Town in League Two and Milton Keynes Dons in League One.

Kesler-Hayden was thrust into the spotlight when, due to Covid restrictions on Villa's first-team squad, he was one of 16 debutants to play against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup in January 2021.

Later that season, he faced Liverpool again, this time leading Villa to a 2-1 victory in the FA Youth Cup final as the team's captain. This marked Villa's first success in the competition in two decades.

Argyle's Manager Steven Schumacher expressed his pleasure with the new addition, stating to www.pafc.co.uk, “I’m very pleased that Kaine has agreed to join us for the season. He has excellent pedigree, and great experience for his young age, including in the Championship. He will give us energy and versatility – I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Neil Dewsnip, Director of Football, also had praises for Kesler-Hayden, saying, “I am delighted that Kaine is coming on board at Argyle for the season. He is a player we are excited to recruit. Kaine fits the profile of similar loan players who we have brought to the club previously, and who have performed superbly in a green shirt. I am sure that Kaine will follow suit.”