Aint Nobody… Like El-Ghazi

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Anwar El Ghazi of Aston Villa celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough at Villa Park on March 16, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Anwar El Ghazi of Aston Villa celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough at Villa Park on March 16, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Recent reports have aired stating that Aston Villa have triggered their “buy” clause for Anwar El-Ghazi, who of course spent this season on loan at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have triggered the £8million buyout clause present in the loan contract between our club and Lille, the parent club of Anwar El-Ghazi. Assuming the personal terms are agreed upon, (No idea why they wouldn’t be) El-Ghazi would join Jota, and former on-loan player Kortney Hause as Aston Villa’s third signing of the summer window.

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One should note that this is not 100% official yet, but the trigger of the clause to buy makes this as close to a sure thing as one could bet on.

Villa Verdict:

Any supporter that has watched a match this year would be quick to tell you that Anwar El-Ghazi was the team’s best winger this season. His work rate (after being pulled out of exile thanks to Dean Smith) has been excellent, he has contributed in the attack by scoring goals and providing assists, and he even provided some solid commentary alongside John McGinn in their recap of the 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest.

El-Ghazi made 26 appearances for the club during the 2018/2019 campaign, scoring 6 goals and adding 6 assists, which included this all important goal in the EFL Championship Playoff Final:

While Anwar El-Ghazi has made his home on the left-wing, it should also be noted that he can, in a pinch, play CAM. So this could serve as a very, very, emergency contingency plan should the likes of Jack Grealish, Conor Hourihane, John McGinn, and the aforementioned Jota see extended time out. He also just turned 24 years old, so should have some of his best footballing days ahead of him.

A great signing that strengthens a pretty thin position and provides familiarity and continuity within the Aston Villa side.  Welcome back, Anwar. UTV