Adama Traore to Aston Villa: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Adama Traore from Barcelona on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old joins Villa for €10 million (£7.1 million) with €2 million (£1.4 million) in add-ons and Barca reserving the right to repurchase in the first three years of Traore's contract, per the Camp Nou club (translated by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC).
The Premier League outfit confirmed the switch had been finalised on Friday, with Villa winning the race for the much sought-after La Masia starlet:
Villa boss Tim Sherwood explained his decision to sign Traore, relayed by Villa's website:
"He's someone I have been tracking for a long time.
He's physically a man - and he has been for some time. He's a big powerful boy, very quick, dynamic and a maverick-type player. Those players are few and far between.
We're delighted he has chosen Villa to continue his development.
"
Here’s a look at what the Villa faithful can expect from Traore this season:
Although Barcelona are typically heralded for bringing young players through the ranks, the relegation of their B team into the third tier of Spanish football has put the club in a tough position. It means that while the highest-rated players in the side would still get plenty of playing time, the standard wouldn’t be strong enough to appropriately test the star talents.
Traore is one of those who needs to make a step up, and with little hope of dislodging Luis Suarez, Neymar or Lionel Messi from the starting lineup at the Camp Nou, a move to Villa should enable the youngster to get some top-level football under his belt.
As we can see here courtesy of OptaJose, Traore is a winger who loves to test out opposition defences with his direct playing style:
Indeed, Villa have secured one of European football’s brightest talents in Traore. The youngster has blistering pace, an uncompromising running style and scintillating, sharp feet.
But there’s still plenty for him to learn. Playing in the Premier League will be a sharp learning curve for Traore. While in the second tier he got time to launch those lung-busting runs, in English football’s top flight, his decision-making will need to be both more calculated and clinical.
