Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa: Ahmed Elmohamady joins from Hull City

By Josh Tonti

HULL, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Dieumerci Mbokani of Hull City and Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Hull City and Sunderland at the KCOM Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Dieumerci Mbokani of Hull City and Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Hull City and Sunderland at the KCOM Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Hull City wideman Ahmed Elmohamady has joined Aston Villa on a three-year deal. The proposed terms indicate Villa management triggered a £1 million release clause for the player’s services.

For the third time in his managerial career, Steve Bruce brought Egyptian winger Ahmed Elmohamady into his squad.

The terms of the deal were undisclosed at the time of the announcement. However, it was reported leading into the week that Aston Villa triggered a £1 million release clause.

Elmohamady joins the claret and blues on a three-year deal. At 29, soon-to-be 30, Elmo’s deal runs through his age 32 season.

In eight seasons of English football, Elmohamady has 12 goals in 277 appearances split across the Premier League and Championship. Two seasons in the Championship (2012/2013 and 2015/2016) and six in the top flight.

In addition to his experience in England, Elmohamady is a leader in the Egypt National Team. He has 77 caps in his career and is on the cusp of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Egypt leads their group over Ghana, Uganda, and Congo.

So where will Ahmed Elmohamady line-up?

If Steve Bruce is serious about a 5-3-2, and we think he is, then Elmo has a very good shot at the starting right wingback spot. Moreover, he will provide cover at right wing behind Albert Adomah and André Green. In an emergency, he can provide cover at right back, but he struggled last year with Hull at the position. The presence of Bree, Hutton and De Laet should mitigate that risk, however.

Next: The Hold-Up on Chris Samba's Contract Offer

Verdict:

It’s not the sexiest of signings, but Elmohamady is one of Bruce’s most trusted players. Steve Bruce has earned the right to transfer in his players. Furthermore, a £1 million fee + a three-year deal severely limits the downside in the move.

With Elmohamady’s versatility, he would need to fail drastically to not provide Aston Villa value. For all that is holy, just don’t let him play right back in a back four, Bruce.

Elmo becomes the third summer signing for Villa.

Home/Transfer News