Aston Villa have signed eight players this summer, including Belgian defender Bjorn Engels.
Aston Villa’s new signing Bjorn Engels has shared that he could have joined the Premier League three years ago, but a move didn’t materialise.
The 24-year-old became Villa’s eighth signing of the summer when he made the switch from French side Stade Reims [Villa’s official website].
Three years ago, Villa were suffering their worse season in their history and facing relegation for the first time in nearly three decades. Now they have a boyhood Villa fan in charge of the club, playing attacking football and have some of the best talents at their disposal.
But Engels’, who has played in his home country of Belgium and France, road to the Premier League could have seemingly been a lot different.
“I was close to moving to the Premier League, not to Aston Villa, but three years ago to another club,” Engels told Villa’s official YouTube account.
“It always was close with [me moving] to England. But that didn’t come through, but very happy to be here to sign for a big club like Aston Villa.”
Centre-back Engels is now in the Premier League and he will have a fight on his hands to prove his worth at the Midlands club.
There is now competition for places in Dean Smith’s backline and Engels will be aware that strong performances in pre-season could put him in contention for a starting place.
The likes of James Chester, if fit and ready, may jump ahead of Engels in the pecking order, but with Axel Tuanzebe at Manchester United, there are places up for grabs.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
