Welcome Jota: Aston Villa make first signing under Smith-led Premier League era
By Josh Tonti
Say hello, and give a warm Villa Park welcome to José Ignacio Peleteiro Ramallo, aka Jota. The 27-year-old attacker becomes Dean Smith’s first signing in the Premier League.
Aston Villa completed their first piece of incoming transfer business. Desperate to not be stuck late in the summer with limited additions, Smith and Co. worked quickly to get this deal over the line.
It’s a player Smith knows well, too, dating back to his days as Brentford manager.
Jota joins Aston Villa from Birmingham City in exchange for a swap deal of Gary Gardner and £4 million in cash. For Gardner, it’s a move for consistent playing time at his level. For Blues, the move reportedly frees-up the wage bill and bit and Villa get the player they ultimately want.
Is it a win for all four parties?
We understand Gary Gardner and Jota are undertaking medicals today at #BCFC and #AVFC respectively as part of a swap deal.
— We Are Birmingham (@WeAreBirmingham) May 31, 2019
Reports that #avfc are in for #bcfc wideman Jota are correct. Dean Smith likes him, had him at Brentford. Suso knows him from his time at Eibar. What stage they're at, I don't know... Definitely one to keep an eye on.
— Gregg Evans (@greggevans40) May 31, 2019
Link to story, both players involved in the deal, looks like there may be a bit of cash involved too. #avfc #bcfc https://t.co/xaBjbehgpM
— Nick Mashiter (@nickmashiter) May 31, 2019
With just André Green on the wing depth chart, Aston Villa are looking at signing three wide men after the release of Albert Adomah on Saturday. Jota becomes the first, and a possible early contender for a starting position on either wing. His 2018/2019 season with Blues was a bit of letdown, at least by his lofty standards. Still, he produced 3 goals and 11 assists in 2,875 league minutes. On a per-game basis, Jota put up 2.1 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles, per WhoScored.
Jota joining Dean Smith’s side again might reignite some of the magic that made him a dominant force in England’s second division in recent years. From 2014-2017, Jota scored 23 times in 69 Brentford league matches.
Villa Verdict:
While I’m not sure Jota will be an every-week starter in the Premier League, I nonetheless love this deal for the Villa. They need wide players, and they need the right ones quickly in order to implement them into Smith’s summer plans and pre-season training. At ~£4 million, the cost is almost negligible and the club move Gardner off the wage bill in one swoop. In addition, a two-year contract helps mitigate risk, as the player has yet to feature in England’s top flight.
Welcome, Jota!