Sudden Aston Villa transfer 'complete' after Unai Emery gives green light

Aston Villa have agreed to terminate Bertrand Traoré's contract early, allowing the winger to join Spanish La Liga side Villarreal before the transfer deadline.

The Burkina Faso international, who has played just 41 minutes of competitive action this season, leaves prematurely before his Villa contract was meant to expire – in June. This is according to a report from Fabrizio Romano, stating the 28-year-old has already signed with Villarreal on a free transfer.

Traoré, who joined Villa from Olympique Lyonnais in September 2020 for around £15 million, scored just 10 goals in 62 appearances. Despite enjoying a successful first season with seven goals and seven assists in 36 Premier League games, Traoré's transfer goes down as one to forget as the next seasons were well below par.

From injuries to inconsistency on the field, the former Ajax and Chelsea man never again matched the levels of his debut campaign in 2020-21. It's hoped he can revive his career with the Yellow Submarine.