Aston Villa confirm Alex Moreno transfer as Spanish left-back completes £13m move from Real Betis to become the first signing of Unai Emery’s reign
- Alex Moreno has signed for Aston Villa after completing his medical on Tuesday
- The 29-year-old is capable of operating as a left-back or slightly further forward
- Unai Emery has strengthened his Villa side for the first time since taking charge
Aston Villa have completed the £13million signing of Alex Moreno from Real Betis, with Unai Emery strengthening his squad for the very first time since arriving at the club.
Sportsmail reported on Tuesday night that Moreno had jetted over to undergo his medical before putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
And after passing the medical, Villa confirmed on Wednesday that the Spanish left-back has become the first signing of Emery’s reign.
Aston Villa have completed the £13million signing of defender Alex Moreno from Real Betis
Unai Emery dubbed Moreno ‘one of the top left-backs in La Liga’ in recent seasons
Emery said: ‘Álex is a good player that can help our squad. He has been one of the top left-backs in La Liga over the past few seasons and we are delighted to have him here.’
It is currently unclear whether Moreno will be considered for Villa’s Premier League clash with Leeds on Friday night, as his move is subject to international clearance and a successful visa application.
His arrival raises questions over the future of left-back Lucas Digne, who only joined in a £25million switch from Everton last year. Digne remains one of Villa’s top earners.
Emery identified Moreno as a priority target in January despite already having Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson at his disposal, while Ashley Young can also play at left-back.
The left-back has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract at Villa Park
He is the first signing of Emery’s reign at Villa Park, and further January arrivals are expected
The defender turned down the chance to join Nottingham Forest last summer, but the presence of fellow Spaniard Emery at Villa persuaded him to wave goodbye…