With today being fixture release day for the Premier League as Aston Villa gear back up for top flight football in the season of 2019/20, I expected that this would be what dominated the news, but talk of a complete under the radar signing from Club Brugge seemed to take everyone by surprise.
Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur took to social media early this morning to make quite a claim, and it wasn’t a typical piece of rumour mill speculation, the claim was concrete.
7 years ago Aston Villa signed a strong, tall, promising 21-year old striker from the Jupiler Pro League.
Now they have signed a strong, tall, promising 22-year old striker from the same league: Brazilian Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge for £22m.@hlnsport @niels_27 #avfc pic.twitter.com/Np31ezkEUJ
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) June 13, 2019
People know my approach to transfer rumours, I ignore far more than I ever cover but I can safely say I’ve not seen a single link to Wesley Moraes or Club Brugge, and looking around it seems few others had either – although it appears he had been linked with Newcastle United and Arsenal previously.
Wesley didn’t qualify for a work permit, but as he has played in the Champions League and the high fee will make sure that the Exception Panel gives him one.
— Kristof Terreur ???????? (@HLNinEngeland) June 13, 2019
It sparked the obvious comparisons when it came to Christian Benteke and although his goalscoring record isn’t that great, the 22-year-old is no slouch.
Looks awful!!!!!!!!!!https://t.co/0dATVv9jt8
— Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) June 13, 2019
We’ll find out soon enough whether or not Terreur truly had a scoop on everyone here but with a £22million odd fee being spoken about, it’s easy to see why some are excited.
Talk of a five year contract as well, so could be an interesting evening.
His agent has confirmed that an agreement was reached yesterday. Announcemenf expected later.
— Kristof Terreur ???????? (@HLNinEngeland) June 13, 2019
