Aston Villa smashed their all-time transfer record to sign Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes from Belgian heavyweights Club Brugge. The striker had drawn interest from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United in the past few months, but the Brazilian chose the Birmingham based outfit.
How might Villa have beaten Newcastle and Arsenal in the race?
Newcastle United’s ownership and their managerial situation are unclear which probably worked in Villa’s advantage as they have made a massive coup for the next season. Moraes would have struggled to dislodge Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre Emerick Aubameyang from the first team, so we feel maybe that’s why he didn’t decide to take the plunge with the North London heavyweights.
Moraes- The Golden boy
The fee is understood to be at £22m. Former England international Darren Bent held the previous transfer record as he joined Villa from Sunderland for £18m in 2011. Moraes was in terrific form last season, and he went on to win the prestigious Golden Schoen – the award given to the best young player of the year in the Belgian Pro League.
Villa had Tammy Abraham as their talismanic man in the Championship, but with Chelsea’s transfer ban, it would be interesting to see whether they would send Abraham away when they desperately need strikers at the club. Therefore it was imperative for Dean Smith to look at other transfer targets, and he has just gone and picked one of the best upcoming talents in Europe.
Moraes managed to score 17 goals last season and even provided with ten assists in all competitions. The Premier League would definitely be a tougher challenge, but he seems to have all the attribute necessary to thrive in this division.
What will Moraes bring to the table?
Moraes is a traditional targetman, and he uses his height and physicality to good effect to outmuscle his oppositions. The Brazilian showcases a tremendous work rate and that is one of the reasons why we feel Smith has gone ahead with this record-breaking transfer.
The 22-year-old’s aggression and desire can make a difference in the attacking third. He is yet to fulfil his true potential as the Brazilian is just 22. His link-up play is also worth mentioning, and that is the reason why he racked up ten assists last season. Moraes has the potential to double his price in a few years if he manages to settle in at Villa Park. So even transfer value wise, this is a bargain deal for Dean Smith.
