Aston Villa clinch permanent deal for Wembley hero El Ghazi
John Skilbeck
June 10, 2019 09:48 MYT
June 10, 2019 09:48 MYT
Aston Villa have signed Anwar El Ghazi on a permanent basis from Lille after his successful loan spell.
The winger was a key figure as Villa secured promotion to the Premier League, scoring the first goal in the play-off final win over Derby at Wembley.
Now the 24-year-old is set for a long-term future at Villa Park after signing a four-year contract.
Villa have not disclosed the fee involved but it is widely reported they have paid around £8million for the former Ajax player, having taken up their option to buy the Netherlands international.
.@AElGhazi7 teasing his own transfer announcement like…#AVFC pic.twitter.com/q18mlUN8r6 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 10, 2019
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Villa head coach Dean Smith said: "Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be for Aston Villa. He's ready for the step up to the Premier League and he's a young player who has an awful lot of potential."
El Ghazi scored six goals in 34 Championship games last season, and Smith told Villa's website: "It's now my job and the job of the coaching staff and Anwar himself to fulfil the potential that he undoubtedly has. He'll be a great addition to the squad for next season."