Ante Budimir has branded his move to Osasuna as a “dream” after the reported Aston Villa and Sheffield United target opted for a return to La Liga, speaking to Diario de Navarra.
Considering the classy Croatian scored 13 goals in the Spanish top flight for a relegated Real Mallorca side last term, it was a surprise he had to wait until the final few days of the transfer window to get the move his form deserved.
Marca reported in September that Premier League duo Aston Villa and Sheffield United had shown interest.
But, with none of his suitors willing to trigger a £14 million release clause to sign a man who will be 30 this time next year, Budimir joined Osasuna on loan.
Should the late-blooming target man thrive at El Sadar, he will be snapped up permanently for £7 million.
“During the conversations with the coach and the club leaders, I realised Osasuna want to take a step forward,” Budimir says of a club who confounded critics by finishing in the top half of La Liga in 2019/20.
“I hope we have a good season. The people of Osasuna are happy for my arrival.
“I have signed for Osasuna and I find myself with a team that has always been my dream. I cannot be happier.”
Aston Villa might be basking in the glory of Sunday’s 7-2 thumping of champions Liverpool but, beyond hat-trick hero Ollie Watkins, there’s a lack of top-quality strikers in Dean Smith’s squad.
Wesley Moraes is still stuck on the treatment table, while Keinan Davis has only five goals in 70 Villa appearances to his name.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have found the net only once in their first four games of the season, although Rhian Brewster’s arrival for big money should give Chris Wilder’s side a much-needed ruthless streak.
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