Aston Villa complete Deadline Day loan of Bournemouth’s Lewis Grabban

Aston Villa bolstered its strike force before the January transfer window closed for good – acquiring the services of AFC Bournemouth’s Lewis Grabban, formerly on loan at Sunderland.

Aston Villa acquired 12-goal forward Lewis Grabban from Premier League side Bournemouth with hours to spare on Deadline Day. For awhile, it looked as though Steve Bruce and Chief Executive Keith Wyness were content in not bringing in a forward this window.

However, situations changed in the last week. Grabban, recalled from his loan at Sunderland after a scoring spree, was only available for sale from England’s south coast in Bournemouth – the club hoping for a permanent transfer sum. That move never materialized as Wolverhampton Wanderers completed a loan switch for Benik Afobe, leaving Villa and fellow promotion contenders Cardiff City vying for Grabban’s finishing abilities.

Rumors then began circling heavily late Tuesday/early Wednesday that in fact Grabban was on his way to Aston Villa.

Grabban, 29, was having a very solid season with the Black Cats before his recall. Some stats of note – 12 goals, 2.4 shots per game, 81.5% passing accuracy. He won’t be asked to do too much, nor is he likely to displace incumbent striker Scott Hogan. This is simply five months of cover for an injury-prone forward and the 19-year old Keinan Davis.

Aston Villa released a hilarious video to go alongside the transfer news:

Grabban, too, seems excited about the move.

Major props to the Villa social team, who continually post top-level stuff.

VILLA VERDICT:

The perfect acquisition for a club trending in the perfect direction. Aston Villa received a solid striker, on loan, who provides a different look to either Scott Hogan or Keinan Davis. Most importantly, the club will not have to worry about another contract if it should find itself playing in the Premier League next season.

Next: Aston Villa vs. Blades: Player Grades

Welcome, Lewis!