Anwar El Ghazi has confirmed that he wants to move to Aston Villa on a permanent basis this summer after enjoying a promotion-winning loan spell this season.
The Dutch international, who has two caps to his name for the Netherlands, joined the newly-promoted club from Lille on a season long loan, marking the final game of his temporary spell with a goal in the play-off final on Monday.
Speaking of the upcoming summer transfer window, El Ghazi confirmed he wants to stay at Villa Park for their Premier League return and that talks with his agent were on the cards.
The attacker told the Express and Star: “I have really enjoyed it here and I love the club, and the fans. I have to talk with my agent now. This club is amazing and I will be very happy if I can stay here.
“But we have to figure it out first with Lille and I hope everything goes well so that I can stay here.”
Opinion
El Ghazi started slowly for Villa but then again so did the rest of his teammates, which makes their play-off success all the more impressive. There were some, including manager Dean Smith, who had written off their chances of a Premier League return earlier in the campaign but an impressive run of form helped change those opinions quickly. The Dutch winger ended the Championship campaign with five goals and six assists, playing an important role in helping the club to the top flight once again. The question that needs to be asked is whether the Villans feel he can offer what they need among the Premier League, or has he found his level in the Championship? There are plenty of players who have failed to make that particular step up in the past and they might well be reluctant to splash out on a permanent deal when he is unproven among England’s elite. Only time will tell what their plans are – any which way, El Ghazi has been a successful loan signing.