Aston Villa have shocked the rest of the Premier League teams ahead of the 2019-20 season as they have signed 12 players and spent in excess of £100 million. The newly-promoted side, who gained promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship play-off final against Derby County, have let go of several older players from last season and signed exciting young players to replace them.
While many pundits and fans have been sceptical about the widescale changes and how it could have a negative impact on the side, some of the signings have been shrewd, well-thought purchases. Let’s take a look at the top 3 signings made by Aston Villa so far in this window:
Ezri Konsa
One of the big-money signings of the season for Aston Villa was central defender Tyrone Mings – who rejoined Villa after spending last year on loan – bought for £20 million. But it’s his central defensive partner for the 2019-20 season, 21-year-old Ezri Konsa, who seems like a better signing. Konsa was signed for £12 million from Brentford, the club that Villa manager Dean Smith previously managed and who signed Konsa from Charlton Athletic ahead of the 2018-19 season.
The England U-21 international could be one of the bargain buys of the season if he can keep improving on the potential that he’s shown. The central defender likes to tackle, but it’s his movement with the ball at his feet that is impressive. He’s a modern central defender who can pass the ball as well as move the ball forward. He and Mings could complement each other well in the Villa backline this season.
Wesley Moraes
If a club breaks their transfer record to sign a player, he has to be good – and Wesley Moraes, signed from Club Brugge for £22 million, a club transfer record for Villa, could very well be the star of the 2019-20 season for Villa. The Brazilian striker is a good link-up player, dropping into midfield to help build play, but can also be lethal in the box thanks to his strength, finishing, and aerial ability.
The 6’3″ striker scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, while also playing a part in 10 goals scored by his teammates. The 22-year-old is still not the complete package as he will have to up his scoring rate for Villa next season, but has the potential to be a very good player thanks to his link-up play, physicality and strength.
Trezeguet
Aston Villa have signed three wingers Anwar El Ghazi – who returns to Villa after a loan spell last season; Jota, who played under Dean Smith at Brentford; and Trezeguet, the Egyptian winger who had a fantastic few seasons at Turkish club Kasımpaşa.
Trezeguet is the most exciting of the three as he is a player who can get fans off their seats with his direct running, pace, and mazy dribbling. The right-footed left-winger has the technique and vision to glide past defences and cause havoc in the final third. The 24-year-old had a good 2018-19 season for Kasımpaşa, scoring 9 times and providing 10 assists. Trezeguet is the one player to keep a close eye on when Aston Villa begin their Premier League campaign as he has the ability to change the game with a bit of magic.
