Jan Bednarek faces awkward Southampton reunion as loanee recalled despite labelling Aston Villa ‘a bigger club’

JAN BEDNAREK faces an awkward return to Southampton after being recalled by Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old defender joined the Saints from Lech Poznan in 2017.

PAJan Bednarek has been recalled by Southampton from his loan spell at Aston Villa[/caption]

He went on to make 153 appearances for Southampton before he headed out of St Mary’s during the summer.

Bednarek was due to spend the whole campaign at Villa Park but only played four times for Villa.

His last came in the shock FA Cup defeat to Stevenage on January 8.

Now he has returned to his parent club after new boss Nathan Jones opted to bring him back to provide additional cover for his defence.

However, not all Saints supporters will be glad to see Bednarek return.

He left fans fuming with his first words as a Villa player following his deadline day move.

Bednarek said: “I’m happy and excited. I’m looking forward to the new adventure.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and another great step.

“That’s a really important one for me, to move to a bigger club and improve as a player.”

Bednarek could find himself involved in Southampton’s squad for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle tomorrow.

But he will be cup-tied for the FA Cup clash with Blackpool on Saturday.