Aston Villa Complete the Signing of Marseille’s Soon-To-Be Free Agent

Aston Villa has gotten off the mark in style in the transfer market by completing a five-year deal for Boubacar Kamara who is set to be a free agent at the end of his current deal.

One of the most promising midfielders from Ligue 1 has snubbed the chance to play in next season’s Champions League, admitting Villa Park feels like “home” after Steven Gerrard spoke to him. He is nearing the end of his deal with the French club, Olympique de Marseille.

"Aston Villa sign Boubacar Kamara on five-year contract; Marseille holding midfielder will leave French club after running down his deal; 22-year-old has just been called up to the France side; “When I met with Steven [Gerrard] in my home I knew Aston Villa was for me,” Kamara said."

After his deal runs out, which is set to expire at the end of June, he will join the Premier League side until 2027. What’s amazing about the capture of the 22-year-old: is that they beat Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Lille to his signature.

Steven Gerrard has his quarter-back style player at Aston Villa

Boubacar Kamara is a versatile player able to play in the middle of the park and at the heart of the defence. He too can transition play from defence into attack, something that has been missing at Villa Park.

Not your lethal goal scorer but the man who interrupts the opposition’s forward play, effortlessly and a player ready to get down and dirty. He only has one goal in 35 Ligue 1 outings, but it is more the latter total that is impressive rather than the former.

He made 35 appearances, 31 of them being starts; that’s only three domestic games missed for the entire season. Staying fit and available for selection is always key to a Premier League manager.

With him in the team, Marseille’s defence conceded the second-lowest number of goals in the league with 38 goals conceded. Only champions PSG and fifth-placed Nice with 36 were better than Kamara and his teammates; Aston Villa conceded 16 more with 54.

One of his biggest assets is his passing and tackling ability. The young Frenchman completed 2343 passes in 2426 attempts. He averages 2.58 tackles per game, 2.16 interceptions, 1.40 blocks, and 1.76 clearances per 90 minutes.

The manager is happy with Aston Villa’s new addition:

"I am delighted that we have been able to attract one of the most promising young talents in European football.We have a very clear plan to make our team stronger and Bouba is an important part of that.(Via: Sky Sports)"

If Gerrard’s goal is to fight for a European spot, the club’s business is setting them off in the right direction. Boubacar Kamara follows Philippe Coutinho through the doors at Villa Park after making his loan spell a permanent one at the club.

They are far from done and are expected to be one of the busiest English sides in the transfer market. The new Era under manager Steven Gerrard is well and truly underway and it appears exciting times ahead for the Villains.