ASTON VILLA HAVE announced the capture of Brazilian striker Wesley from Club Brugge for what is thought to be a record club fee of £22m (€25m).
The Villains, who secured a return to the Premier League last month in the Championship play-off final against Derby County, will bring the 22-year-old to the Midlands subject to a work permit and international clearance.
He will link up with Dean Smith’s side as they prepare to head to the United States to face Minnesota United in St Paul to kick-off a busy preseason schedule.
Wesley, who has spent the previous four seasons in the Belgian First Division A, has helped Brugge to two league titles and two Belgian Super Cups during his tenure with them.
He notched up 17 goals across all competitions last campaign, in arguably his best campaign since joining from Slovakian outfit Trencin, helping Brugge to a second-place finish in the Belgian top-flight and a place in the qualifying rounds of the 2019-20 Champions League.
The forward has also made appearances in both the Champions League and Europa League, scoring two goals against Monaco in the group stage of Europe’s top continental competition last season.
He also scored the winning goal scored against RB Salzburg in the first leg of the last-32 in the Europa League last season, but saw his club bounced by a 4-0 result in the second leg.
He becomes the third new recruit to arrive at Villa Park since the club sealed promotion, joining former Lille winger Anwar El Ghazi and ex-Birmingham City man Jota.
The club have also released several big names as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of a top-flight campaign.
Former Australia captain Mile Jedinak leads a host of exits from the Midlands, with Ross McCormack, Glenn Whelan and Micah Richards also among those who will bid the club farewell.
The Villains also seem set to lose on-loan defender Axel Tuanzebe back to Manchester United, as Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he is looking forward to getting a look the centre-back during the club’s pre-season.
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While I’ve been quick to say he hasn’t impressed me at all in some aspects of his play, no denying he has been a great addition. Carty can be up and down with form and fitness and, save a purple patch by Conor Fitzgerald in the middle of 19/20, has had to play when he could do with a break for physical and mental form. Like Carty was flogged last year when Hawkshaw and Fitz were injured, but there was no real alternative. Having someone of Hanrahan’s level there too is great, and I was delighted when he signed.
He also has strengths that you could question Carty can be weak on. While I critique JJ’s attack-manship, another side of that very coin could argue unlike Carty, who seems to put the whole weight and responsiblity of Connacht’s whole attack on his shoulders, JJ is great in trying to utilise playmakers in the centre and SH. As well as having some days where his boot is almost laser guided.
With all respect to himself and Carty though. Post 2025 Connacht need to have a new 10 making strides. Perhaps Harry West or Sean Naughton (who looks like a superstar) can step up? If not maybe look at the 4th or 5th choice in Leinster? Prendergast, Tector, etc.
@David Hickey: Where is Conor Fitzgerald?