Aston Villa sign Jota

Aston Villa has today completed the signing of Jota from local rivals Birmingham City.

The winger has signed for a reported £4million with Gary Gardner going the other way. The 27-year-old winger has signed a two-year deal and will link up with manager Dean Smith for a second time.

Club career

Jota came through the at Celta de Viga, after joining the club at the age of 13. He failed to make any real breakthrough at Celta. He had more success for their ‘B’ team where he scored 22 goals in 68 appearances between 2010-12.

An unsuccessful loan spell at Real Madrid Castilla was followed by a loan spell at Eiber. It was here where he got noticed by Brentford. The winger scored 11 goals in 35 appearances, before joining Brentford for a reported €1.5 million.

Jota experienced an up and down time while at Griffin Park. He scored 11 goals in 46 games during his first campaign. A loan spell back at Eiber the following season followed. In the 2016-17 season, 12 goals in 21 appearances attracted interest from elsewhere.

On the 31st August 2017, Jota signed for Birmingham City for a club record £6million. The goals dropped off during his time at St Andrew’s with many stating he didn’t suit their style of play. Despite this, he still contributed to 11 assists last season for Gary Monks side.

What they had to say:

Upon signing for Aston Villa, manager Dean Smith said:

“I worked with Jota at Brentford. He’s a superb, talented player and Birmingham signed him as their record transfer. 

“I’m really happy to have him back working with us. He’s got great ability, great balance and a great eye for both goals and assists.”

Jota revealed how he was also looking forward to linking up with his former manager:

“I know he likes me and I know how he likes to play – with plenty of the ball and with quality.

“I’m happy to be working with him again. We had good times at Brentford and hopefully, there’s another good year ahead with him and his staff.

“Becoming a Premier League player was important for me and something I’ve been looking for. This is one of the biggest clubs in England.

“I look forward to coming back and meeting with my new team-mates and the staff and get ready for the Premier League. I can’t wait for the start of next season.”