Aston Villa Sign Egypt

By Max Wise

Newly-promoted English Premier League side Aston Villa have signed Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations star Mahmoud Trezeguet in an £8.5m from Turkish side Kasimpasa.

The 24-year-old impressed at his club side last season, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists in the Turkish Super Lig.

Trezeguet continued his impressive form at the recently-concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the opening goal of the competition as Egypt exited at the round of 16 stage at the hands of South Africa.

The former Al Ahly midfielder also played in all of Egypt’s three group stage games at last summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Trezeguet is Aston Villa manager Dean Smith’s ninth summer signing as the club aim to retain their top flight status on their return to the Premier League following a two-year absence.

"We're really excited to work with 'Trez'. I've watched him a number of times," Dean Smith told the club's website.

"He's the type of wide player that we have been looking for who is direct, causes problems for the opposition in the final third and scores goals."

In addition to Trezeguet, Aston Villa have also splashed a club-record £22m on Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge while Tyron Mings, Matt Targett and Anwar El Ghazi have all joined from Bournemouth, Southampton and Lille respectively.

Aston Villa’s first game back in the Premier League will see them take on Tottenham Hotspurs on August 10.