France manager Didier Deschamps has given his verdict on Boubacar Kamara’s decision to sign for Aston Villa over many of Europe’s top clubs.
Speaking to the French press via RMC Sport after the midfielder’s first-ever senior call-up for Les Bleus, the 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning coach claimed that Villa was not the best quality option Kamara could have signed for this summer.
- Three players who could replace Fernandinho at Manchester City
- £166m superstar among best XI of under-23 free agents this summer
However, Deschamps did acknowledge that playing in the Premier League, as a whole, is a big step up to playing in Ligue 1, which alone makes the decision to join Villa a sensible one.
Kamara surprised many by joining Villa earlier this month on a pre-contract, with Steven Gerrard’s side beating the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle United to the 22-year-old midfielder. And Deschamps is pleased that the youngster has moved to England.
Deschamps said when asked about Kamara’s decision to sign for Villa: “It’s his choice, he had the freedom since he was out of contract. For me there are no bad choices. He had a very good season, he was used a lot, and was very consistent in a role which is not always easy.”
“He’s chosen the Premier League. Sure, Aston Villa are not among the best teams, but it’s a step for him. I don’t know all of the factors that led him to making that decision.”
Kamara can take Villa to the next level after shock summer signing
Villa were hardly anyone’s first pick for where Kamara would end up this summer, yet the shock signing presents Gerrard and the midfielder a chance to take the Premier League side to a new level.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been one of the best defensive players in France for the past few seasons, and at Villa, Kamara has the qualities to shore up the backline and to win some crucial points in the coming season that might have been lost without his presence.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
