Aston Villa have confirmed their capture of Bertrand Traore from Lyon in a reported €18.4m deal subject to international clearance.
Traore, who reportedly agreed on a four-year deal with Aston Villa earlier this week, passed a medical examination in Copenhagen on Tuesday but has only just completed his long-awaited transfer.
The coronavirus pandemic led to a longer delay than usual for the Burkina Faso international’s transfer to Villa, forcing both player and club to wait patiently. However, it’s all done now and Traore is at Villa Park.
Dean Smith’s side have forked out an €18.4m plus over €2m in add-ons to Lyon for the 25-year-old’s signature.
“I’m very happy to join Aston Villa,” Traore told VillaTV. “I’m happy to be here.”
⚡ 𝗕 𝗘 𝗥 𝗧 𝗥 𝗔 𝗡 𝗗 𝗧 𝗥 𝗔 𝗢 𝗥 𝗘 ⚡
Happy Saturday. 🤩#TraoréAnnounced pic.twitter.com/fV4KAkLusI
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 19, 2020
Not only will Traore’s experience of playing in elite competitions, such as the Champions League, prove to be a valuable asset, but he’s also played alongside Villa assistant John Terry at Chelsea, Marvelous Nakamba at Dutch club Vitesse and Anwar El Ghazi at Ajax.
“I played with JT at Chelsea, I spoke to him,” admitted Bertrand.
“I spoke to the manager, spoke with the sporting director as well and some players I used to play with – Nakamba and El Ghazi.
“I spoke to Nakamba, I talked to him a little bit about the club. Many things made me take the decision to come here. I’m happy.”
Villa boss Smith added: “We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa. He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”
Traore becomes Villa’s fourth new signing of the summer transfer window after Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, and Matty Cash.
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