Everton have confirmed that winger Anwar El Ghazi has signed a loan deal with the Toffees until the end of the season.
El Ghazi has previously played for Ajax and Lille, and he joined Villa on loan in 2018. In 2019, his move was made permanent as they were promoted to the Premier League.
The winger has made more than 100 appearances for the Villans. In the 2020/21 season, he had a successful season, scoring 10 goals in the league.
This season, the 26-year-old has only made four Premier League starts. Lucas Digne moved the other way for £25 million, prompting his move to Everton.
On Thursday, the loan of El Ghazi to the Toffees was announced. He claimed he wants to make Everton fans happy when asked about the switch:
“I’m really excited. Everton is a big club, I cannot wait to get started,” El Ghazi told evertontv.
“I want to show my quality to my teammates, to the Club and, of course, the fans. I want to put a smile on their faces.
“I’m ready and willing to work hard for it and for all of us to work together.
“I’ve met a few fans already and it’s great to see how people live for the Club. It’s basically their religion. You just want to give it your all and show them what you can do to make them happy.
“I just want to focus on working hard, getting into the team, fighting for my place and, with the boys, to get Everton where it belongs – that is much higher up the table. We have a really good squad.
“I can always score a goal in an important moment and add a lot of value with my pace and technique going forward. I can hold the ball and I am decent in one-on-ones. I am ready and can’t wait.
“If I can score goals like the one I scored against Everton, for Everton now, then I will be a happy man.”