Share

Aston Villa sign Anwar El Ghazi on permanent deal

London - Newly promoted Aston Villa announced on Monday they had completed the signing of Netherlands international Anwar El Ghazi on a permanent deal from French club Lille.

The 24-year-old midfielder has agreed a four-year contract, having spent last season on loan at Villa Park.

El Ghazi starred in the Championship play-off final win against Derby last month, scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 victory that clinched Villa's return to the Premier League.

Villa boss Dean Smith told the club's official website: "Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be for Aston Villa."

Smith added: "He's ready for the step up to the Premier League and he's a young player who has an awful lot of potential.

"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."

As well as his goal at Wembley, El Ghazi, who has played twice for the Netherlands, scored a further five times during the course of the regular season as Villa finished fifth in the Championship table.

El Ghazi is Villa's second signing of the summer, following last week's addition of Birmingham City forward Jota.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
50% - 7 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
50% - 7 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE