Anwar El Ghazi: Aston Villa complete signing of Netherlands winger from Lille

Anwar El Ghazi scored Villa's first goal in the Wembley play-off win over Derby - his sixth strike of the season
Anwar El Ghazi scored Villa's first goal in the Wembley play-off win over Derby - his sixth strike of the season

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Netherlands international Anwar El Ghazi from French side Lille.

The 24-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan with Villa and scored in their play-off final win over Derby, has now signed a four-year contract.

Villa head coach Dean Smith said: "Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be.

"He's ready for the step up to the Premier League. He's a young player who has an awful lot of potential."

Smith is confident that El Ghazi, who is a product of the Amsterdam academy at Dutch giants Ajax, can be made even better, after scoring six times in 37 appearances in Villa's promotion-winning season.

"It's now my job and the job of the coaching staff and Anwar himself to fulfil the potential that he undoubtedly has." said Smith. "He'll be a great addition to the squad for next season."

El Ghazi is Villa's second signing of the summer, following last week's addition of Birmingham City forward Jota.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.