£8m Aston Villa star in shock transfer link as Man United try £158m transfer trick

A member of Aston Villa's 2018/19 promotion winning side could become an opponent of theirs according to the latest transfer reports.
Jordan Jones
By Jordan Jones
Published 12th Sep 2023, 05:00 BST

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Could we see El-Ghazi line up as an opposition player against Aston Villa? (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)Could we see El-Ghazi line up as an opposition player against Aston Villa? (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Could we see El-Ghazi line up as an opposition player against Aston Villa? (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Former Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi could be set for a surprise return to English football.

The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving PSV following one season with the Eredivisie club. He has yet to be signed by anyone but last week transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano claimed one Premier League team had made an approach whilst a Saudi Pro League side had held an interest.

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It has now come to light that Manchester United could consider making a move for the forward. A report from the Daily Mail claims that given the uncertainty of Antony and Jadon Sancho, a move for Al Ghazi could be on the cards.

The Red Devils have a space in their squad after the Premier League squads had been submitted and El Ghazi could fill that role albeit on a short-term basis before plans are made for the winter transfer window. He was spotted at the Emirates Stadium during Man Utd’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before the international break.

El Ghazi has a decent amount of experience of English football having joined the Villa in 2018 on a season-long loan from Lille. He scored five goals in 31 games before his move was made permanent for a reported £8m, and he played a key role in the club winning promotion from the Championship in 2019.

He played 119 games in total for Villa and got registered 26 goals and 11 assists in that period. El Ghazi moved to Everton but made just two appearances and was later sold to PSV for a reported £3.5m with add-ons.

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The Dutch side after just a year with a team in the side however decided to cut their losses and terminated his contract which was due to expire in the summer of 2025. He made 33 appearances last season and got nine goals for the Dutch side but was moved on because he was one of their high earners.

If El-Ghazi was to join United then he could line up against Villa on December 26, 2023, before the reverse fixture which is due to take place at Villa Park on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Related topics:Premier LeagueJadon SanchoManchester United

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