Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of Anwar El Ghazi from Lille for £8million, according to the Daily Mirror.
The national newspaper’s live transfer blog (Thursday June 6th, 12:34) claims that the 6ft 2in tall winger (Source: Transfermarkt) is expected to complete his permanent move to the Villans in the next 24 hours after impressing on loan in his 2018/19 season.
The Mirror report that Villa are able to sign El Ghazi for £8million due to a clause in his loan agreement, and also added that the club are on the verge of signing Kortney Hause from Wolves and are still aiming to add Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings to their squad permanently too.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Yes.
El Ghazi knows the club well from his recent loan spell and could be capable of stepping up to help them succeed in the Premier League next season.
The 24-year-old winger excelled in the final weeks of his 2018/19 season, but it’s worth pointing out his form was inconsistent across the whole campaign.
El Ghazi, who scored five goals while assisting six in his 31 league appearances for Villa, showed that he had tendency to either put in a Man of the Match performance or submit a display that should have him worried about being axed.
However given that he was settling into life at Villa last season, perhaps he’ll be a more consistent force if he joins permanently.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The Mirror make it sound like a deal is all but done, and given his exploits on loan last season then it makes sense if Dean Smith wants to keep him.
While the report makes no mention of personal terms being discussed, given the club are expected to wrap up a deal within 24 hours, it seems like both parties are confident a deal will be swiftly agreed.
It’ll be more of a shock if El Ghazi doesn’t arrive soon.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10