Birmingham – Aston Vale FC have pulled off a dramatic double signing on transfer deadline day, bringing in winger Jamie Porter and midfielder Daniel Reeves on season-long loan deals in a bid to revive their faltering season under manager Unai Rios.
The moves mark a late but decisive push in the window for Vale, who have failed to score in their opening three Premier League matches and were left thin in attacking and midfield areas following the departures of key loanees and squad players.
Porter, a 24-year-old England international, joins from Manchester City South — his third loan move in as many seasons after previous stints at FC Bayern Munich and West London FC. Aston Vale will pay a nominal loan fee and cover 80% of his wages, one of the highest in the league.
Despite the loan structure, City South had hoped to sell Porter permanently this summer, with interest from AS Roma North and Borussia Elben. However, no permanent deal materialized, leaving the door open for the loan switch to Vale.
"We needed pace, creativity, and experience on the wing. Jamie brings all three," said Rios. "He knows the league, he’s played at the highest level, and he’s hungry to prove himself again."
The second deal sees Daniel Reeves, a 22-year-old central midfielder and England U-21 standout, arrive from Liverpool North. The move includes an obligation to buy for £32 million next summer, provided certain performance-based conditions are met.
Reeves, a lifelong Liverpool North supporter, had become increasingly frustrated with limited opportunities, starting just two league games last season. The arrival of high-profile signings like Florian Voss and Erik Holm this summer further blocked his path.
Vale fended off competition from RB Alton and Fulham West, with West Ham United East also monitoring the situation. However, Vale’s project and playing style convinced Reeves to make the switch.
Interestingly, Liverpool North have retained significant protection in the deal — including a sell-on clause and a conditional buy-back option — keeping the door ajar for a potential return in the future.
"I need to play, to grow, to be challenged week in, week out," Reeves said earlier this summer. "I don’t want to look back in five years and feel like I wasted the best years of my career on the bench."
The double move is part of a broader late-window overhaul for Aston Vale, who also secured the services of defender Victor Lang on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester United West expired. Lang, a former teammate of Porter, is expected to add stability to a shaky backline.
Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Emil Dorado remains at the club after Manchester United West shifted focus to signing Belgian shot-stopper Soren Deventer, leaving Dorado off the move.
With three new faces in the fold, Rios hopes the additions can inject much-needed energy and quality into a squad that has struggled for cohesion and goals.
"We’re not where we want to be, but we’re building something," Rios added. "These signings show ambition. Now we must deliver on the pitch."
As the dust settles on a chaotic deadline day, one thing is clear: Aston Vale may have been quiet early — but they made sure their voice was heard when it mattered most.
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