Aston Villa: Jordan Veretout sold to Serie A and ACF Fiorentina

Jordan Veretout made a U-turn in his proposed deal to French side Saint-Étienne. Instead of heading to eastern France, Veretout will play in Florence as ACF Fiorentina had a ~£6 million bid accepted by Aston Villa.

Saint-Etienne was left livid following Jordan Veretout’s decision to join a different club.

Jordan Veretout will now link-up with Carlos Sanchez and Fiorentina. The French midfielder joins the Viola on a four-year deal with an option on the fifth year.

In total, Veretout appeared 29 times for Aston Villa across all competitions. His two years, one away on-loan, was not what most supporters envisioned when JV was transferred in two summers ago.

It’s a bit disappointing to see Veretout leave, to be completely honest, but Steve Bruce frees up his squad. Moreover, Dr. Tony Xia and Villa pick up a modest £6 million, which is a loss from the approximately £9 million they paid to Nantes two summers ago.

Veretout didn’t excel in the Premier League in his maiden Villa season, but nobody did that disastrous year. However, he showed promise as a 22-year old playing in new league, for an awful club, and a tough, central midfield position.

Like most Aston Villa departures, Veretout becomes another, “what if?”

Steve Bruce moves on with his central midfielders. The depth in Mile Jedinak, Glenn Whelan, Henri Lansbury, Conor Hourihane, and Leandro Bacuna means the club is in good hands, irrespective of one’s opinion of Jordan Veretout.

Aston Villa could make one or two more deal before the transfer deadline. Perhaps a loan move for a young Premier League attacker. Or, one last big-money signing.

Good luck and au revoir, Jordan!