Just ahead of most of us unfortunately watching the shambles that was our trip to the Emirates Stadium where we were again roundly beaten – Arsenal this time – Aston Villa announced the expected departure of Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi.
Aston Villa can confirm that @ElGhazi1995 has joined PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee.
Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Anwar for his service and contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his future career.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 31, 2022
The 27-year-old arrived at the club from Lille back on a loan spell in 2018 and in his 30 starts and six substitute showings that season, he more than played his part in helping us to promotion via the Wembley Play Off route, chipping in with six goals – one of which came at the national stadium.
Having joined us permanently over the summer, he went on to make 58 further starts (25 substitute showings), adding a further 20 goals to his tally, but he did spend an unsuccessful loan spell out with Everton in the second half of last season.
Thank you for your unforgettable contributions in claret and blue, @ElGhazi1995. π pic.twitter.com/4mzaz7t624
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 31, 2022
He has now made the switch back to his homeland, having joined PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee.
First of all I want to say THANK YOU @AVFCOfficial and their supporters for the amazing 4 years and the opportunity to play for this fantastic club.
I will never forget the beautiful moments I have had here. 31-05-2019 is one of them.. one of the best days of my life (1/3)— Anwar El Ghazi (@elghazi1995) August 31, 2022
to score at Wembley and helping the club coming back to the Premier League.
I would also like to thank everyone at the club behind the scenes for taking care of me and my family. (2/3)— Anwar El Ghazi (@elghazi1995) August 31, 2022
Itβs time to say goodbye now. I will miss my brummies but I am proud to say that I am bringing a new brummie back home with me.
I wish nothing but the best for the club, the players and the fans. (3/3)— Anwar El Ghazi (@elghazi1995) August 31, 2022
A very classy goodbye message, and although it didn’t all go his way during his time with us, clearly he was well liked looking at the comments on social media.
It hasn’t been the only departure as the deadline window heads to tonight’s close.
Republic of Ireland Under 21 international Tyreik Wright has made a loan move out to League Two side Bradford City. The 20-year-old will remain with them for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.
π° | BREAKING NEWS
π | Welcome to exciting winger @TyreikWright – who arrives on loan from @premierleague side @AVFCOfficial!
β‘οΈ | Read: https://t.co/Mu4z3JElch#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/n64VSqHYuu
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) September 1, 2022
19-year-old Brad Young has also headed out, and he goes north of the border with a spell with Scottish Championship leaders Ayr United. He is also with them for the remainder of the campaign.
βοΈThe Club are delighted to announce the signing of striker, Brad Young on loan from @AVFCOfficial until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.
Welcome to Somerset Park, Brad!#WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/uoORFIGH3P
— Ayr United (@AyrUnitedFC) September 1, 2022
Highly rated England Under 19 midfielder, Tim Iroegbunam, has headed to the Championship for a spell with Queens Park Rangers. The 19-year-old links up with former coach Michael Beale at the club and it’s his first loan spell away from us.
Good luck to @Tim_Iro, who has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the 2022/23 season. π€
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 1, 2022
And finally, at least so far, young midfielder Hayden Lindley has headed out to League Two side Newport County. The 19-year-old is also with them for the year.
Newport County AFC are delighted to complete the loan signing of πππ¬πππ‘ πππ‘ππππ¬ from Aston Villa! #HeyHayden π #NCAFCπ§‘π€https://t.co/AIr6XJAKzA pic.twitter.com/VhLU5l13LE
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) September 1, 2022