Two new recruits for Tim Sherwood’s Villa side
Aston Villa have confirmed the double signing of Blackburn Rovers forward Rudy Gestede, and Nantes midfielder Jordan Vertout.
The summer rebuild at Villa continues, with a further two fresh faces unveiled today, as they look to move on from the departures of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph.
26-year-old Gestede arrives at Villa on a five-year-deal, and becomes the ninth summer signing, in a £6m deal.
Gestede’s signing fills the void left by Benteke, who moved to Liverpool for £32m – with Villa fighting off interest from several other Premier League sides, in order to land his signature.
The Benin international impressed in the second-tier with Blackburn last term, scoring 22 goals at Ewood Park in the 2014/15 campaign.
His reward for a fine campaign at Rovers is a chance to prove his worth in the top-flight of the English game.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood stated his delight at the acquisition of Gestede, in an interview with the club’s official website.
Sherwood said: “I’ve known about Rudy since he was at Cardiff City and he is a player I’ve always admired.
“His goalscoring ratio last season was fantastic and he is someone who certainly knows how to find the back of the net.
“He’s a big, physical striker but he can play and I’m pleased to welcome him to the football club.”
VERTOUT IS ALSO A VILLAN
French midfielder Jordan Vertout has also completed the move to the Midlands, penning a five-year deal.
The 22-year-old has agreed a move to sign from French side Nantes, the club whom he had spent all of his professional career with.
Speaking upon the deal, Villa manager Tim Sherwood stated his delight at the signing.
“I’m really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us.
“He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age.
“He has played over 140 games in France and is a really exciting young player.
“I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line.”
