Norwich sign Villa's Chrisene on four-year deal

Ben Chrisene set an Exeter City record when he played for them in a 2019 Carabao Cup tie aged just 15 years, seven months and one day

Norwich City have signed Aston Villa defender Ben Chrisene on a four-year contract, with an option for an extra 12 months.

Villa bought Chrisene from Exeter City but his only first-team appearance came in a 4-1 FA Cup defeat by Liverpool in January 2021.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers, playing 16 games in the Championship, seven of them starts.

"Ben is an exciting young player with lots of potential and further room for development," said Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper.

Chrisene is Norwich's second signing of the summer, following Jose Cordoba, but no details of any fee have been disclosed.

He already knows team-mates Brad Hills, Abu Kamara and Kellen Fisher, having played alongside them for England's under-20 team.

"I’ve spoken to the head coach about what he wants to do. I’m really looking forward to working with him," Chrisene told the club website.

"I feel I’ve still got a lot to learn but hopefully it gels pretty quickly and we can hit the ground running.”

Norwich, who were beaten by Leeds in last season's play-offs, start the new campaign with an away game against promoted Oxford United on 10 August.