Aston Villa announced the capture of the Dutch winger today.
Dean Smith has told Aston Villa’s official website he’s certain that Anwar El Ghazi is ready for Premier League football, claiming he’s got an ‘awful lot of potential’.
The playoff winners announced the signing of El Ghazi on a permanent basis earlier today.
The former Lille winger, who joined Aston Villa for £8 million [Express & Star], played a role in helping Smith’s side win promotion to the top flight this past season.
El Ghazi, 24, also scored in the win over Derby County at Wembley, and Smith is very confident that he’ll be a good addition.
He told Aston Villa’s official website: “Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be for Aston Villa.
“He’s ready for the step up to the Premier League and he’s a young player who has an awful lot of potential. It’s now my job and the job of the coaching staff and Anwar himself to fulfil the potential that he undoubtedly has.
“He’ll be a great addition to the squad for next season.”
The Dutchman is Aston Villa’s second permanent signing of the summer so far, after recruiting Jota from cross-city rivals Birmingham last week.
El Ghazi scored six and set up another six in 34 Championship outings for the Villans last term.
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