Anwar El Ghazi had an uncertain future at Aston Villa ever since Leon Bailey arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City. The 26-year-old had already fallen behind Bertrand Traore in the pecking order and now had more competition for a starting place.
He’s made 12/24 appearances in all competitions this season, amassing 547/2160 minutes of football across the board. El Ghazi has spent the majority of the campaign as an unused substitute, so it’s no surprise he’s sought a move away from Villa Park. Philippe Coutinho’s arrival further complicates matters too.
Everton were interested in the Dutch international and were in talks over a £15m deal before changing that to a loan move without obligation to buy – an offer Fabrizio Romano says Villa have accepted. Fans on social media wished him well and think it’s a move that benefits all parties.
El Ghazi joined Villa on loan from LOSC Lille in August 2018 and turned the move permanent the following summer. He’s made a total of 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring 26 goals with 16 assists, and will be lauded a good servant for the club, not least for his goal in the Championship playoff final that fired Villa back to the Premier League.
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