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Major transfers out of Aston Villa:
1. Jack Grealish – to Manchester City for £100m -
Let’s be fair, Aston Villa were powerless to keep Jack Grealish. We all knew one of the big clubs was going to come for him. Unfortunately for Aston Villa, it was this summer when they were hoping to have a go at one of the European qualification places. But not everything is gloomy; Aston Villa have just earned a British record fee for the player. Villa have invested it fairly well. Aston Villa are going to miss their captain; but they should have a fairly good say in the goals they have set for themselves this season.
2. Ahmed Elmohamady – Contract expiry
Elmohamady left Aston Villa this summer after his contract expired, ending his 11 years of service in England. A dedicated player who gives his 100 percent whenever called up. Aston Villa fans should remember him fondly for all his contributions to the club, even during the difficult times. What a ride it has been.
3. Tom Heaton – Free Transfer to Manchester United
After losing his first-team place to Emiliano Martinez, it was no surprise that Tom Heaton had decided to leave Aston Villa. Villa’s defense had never looked the same since Martinez arrived, and there was no way Heaton was going to replace him in Aston Villa’s first team any time soon. Now, in the twilight of his career, he has gone back to where it all started at Manchester United.
4. Neil Taylor - Contract expiry
The former Swansea City fullback also left Aston Villa this summer. He is another player who has given everything when he is called up, but the time has come for both the player and the club to move on.
5. Björn Engels – to Royal Antwerp for an undisclosed fee
Unfortunately, it has never worked out for the Belgian at Villa Park. Signed from Reims for €8m, Engels never looked like breaking into Aston Villa’s first team. Thankfully, Royal Antwerp from his home country came forward to sign the player, and Villa got some money for a player who was never going to be a regular at Villa Park.
6. Wesley – on loan at Club Brugge
Wesley was unfortunate with the injury. It has stalled his career. Aston Villa have decided to loan him out to Club Brugge this summer in the hope of revitalizing his career. Wesley, who came in for a massive £22m fee, has only managed to score three goals so far and a move to Club Brugge looks like an intelligent step taken by Villa. It was with Club Brugge that he made his name, and returning to familiar surroundings could help him kickstart his career once again under less pressure.
Overall rating of Aston Villa’s transfer activity – B+
Aston Villa fans will be happy with how the transfer window has turned out. Yes, they have lost Jack Grealish, who has carried the team on his shoulders the last two seasons. But they have invested the money intelligently, with every one of their signings looking to have the potential to be the best signing of the summer. The only drawback to their signings is that all of them have a terrible injury record. But if Aston Villa manage to keep them fit, then this season could see them take the next step in the club’s objective, i.e., push for a European qualification.
