Former Aston Villa winger poised for surprise new move

Former Aston Villa winger Yannick Bolasie is poised for a switch to Criciúma, according to reporter Fabrizio Romano on X.

The 34-year-old, who is a former DR Congo, cut ties with Swansea City in the Championship last month and is now poised for a new challenge in his career over in Brazil.

Romano has said: "Understand Brazilian Criciúma have agreed pre-contract to sign Yannick Bolasie.

"Deal in place, waiting to check details and then time to travel to Brazil next week if all goes to plan."

Aston Villa signed the pacey attacker back in the 2018/19 season from Everton back when they were in the Championship. He went on to make 21 appearances in all competitions during his time in the Midlands and scored two goals.

Bolasie spent the first-half of the campaign with Villa before switching to Anderlecht. His old side then went on win promotion to the Premier League that year under former boss Dean Smith.

The Lyon-born man played for Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City as a youngster before linking up with Crystal Palace. It was at Selhurst Park where he made his name and he spent four years with the South London club from 2012 to 2016.

He has played for Everton, Sporting Lisbon, Middlesbrough and Çaykur Rizespor over more recent times before his switch to Swansea.

Bolasie played 13 times during his spell in Wales and is now heading over to Brazil to join a Criciúma sie who were promoted to the top flight only last year.