With the continued debacle that was PSR (premier league financial rules: Profit and Sustainability Rules) in full flight, Aston Villa found themselves in the summer of 2025 in a similar place that Newcastle had been a year earlier, essentially having to trade their best academy player to balance the books.

Reluctantly on their part Jacob had to be the sacrifice (much like Elliot Anderson had been for Newcastle the year before in moving to Forest). Villa's loss was Newcastle's gain therefore, with the player joining for £39m and one that would give Eddie Howe new attacking options with a player who excelled at playing between the defensive lines, with pace and an eye for goal.