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Stan Collymore delivers verdict as Aston Villa complete Wesley Moraes signing

Will Butcher

Fri 14 June 2019 7:45, UK

Stan Collymore has told Twitter that he is delighted with Aston Villa’s capture of striker Wesley Moraes from Belgian side Club Brugge for £22.25million (), which is a club-record purchase.

The 22-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League after scoring 17 goals last season, as well as laying on 10 assists. He even scored twice in the Champions League.

Wesley becomes Villa’s third summer signing, as Dean Smith looks to get his business done early. Indeed, the club have also landed Anwar El Ghazi on a permanent basis and lured Jota to Villa Park from Birmingham City.

Villa icon Collymore was asked by a fan on Twitter for his reaction to the club-record signing, and Collymore stated that he was excited to see what Wesley has to offer. He is also hoping Jack Grealish has done his homework.

Happy.

Young, skilful, good in tight spaces, eager to get behind defenders, takes defenders on, good strength.

My kind of striker. Hope someone has given a nice long DVD for him to watch to know where and where Wesley makes his runs.

Could be juicy.

— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore)

TBR’s view

Villa have taken a huge gamble by splashing £22.25million on a player that has arguably had one excellent season in Belgian football. Indeed, Wesley is hardly proven in any of Europe’s biggest leagues.

However, his form in the Champions League will be promising for Villa fans. He scored in both group matches against Monaco last season. His height and physicality will remind Villa supporters of Christian Benteke.

Wesley will need service and the chance to quickly acclimatise to Premier League football, as well the belief and trust from Villa boss Dean Smith. Otherwise, he could go from an expensive risk, to an expensive failure.