Mark Smith

Tue 30 August 2022 12:10, UK

By Isabel Crofts.

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi is set to sign a three-year deal at PSV Eindhoven once he has completed the necessary medical tests, according to Mike Verweij.

The transfer is expected to cost around £2.1million, which could rise to £2.5million including bonuses and add-ons.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have moved to acquire the Dutchman to reinforce the forward position with the absence of Noni Madueke, who is currently suffering from a long-term injury and expected to be out of action until winter.

El Ghazi spent his entire youth career playing in the Netherlands; from 2000 to 2017 he represented five different Dutch sides, including Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam and Ajax, before moving to Ligue 1 side Lille.

The Dutch international joined Aston Villa in 2018 on a season-long loan that included a clause to buy, before signing permanently for around £8million on June 10, 2019, on a four-year contract.

A suitable time to depart for both parties

It’s no secret that El Ghazi fell out of favour since Steven Gerard’s arrival at Villa Park, despite being a key player in recent seasons for the club.

The 27-year-old played a crucial part in Villa’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019, scoring the first goal in their 2-1 win against Derby County in the Championship Play-off final.

In the 2020/2021 campaign, he scored 11 goals in total, which equalled his career-best at Ajax. He managed only one goal in nine games the following season and was sent on loan to Everton in the January transfer window, yet unfortunately made just two appearances for the Merseyside team.

However, a return to the Eredivisie is a new chance to revive his career and hit the impressive form he has shown he is capable of. He will also have the chance to play in the Europa League in a promising PSV side that are able to compete for silverware this season.

In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton believes Ismaila Sarr would have been a good signing for the club.