Bolasie completes Villa loan move

Everton winger Yannick Bolasie has completed a deal for a season-long loan to Aston Villa.

Bolasie, 29, chose Villa over a similar move to fellow Championship side Middlesbrough after being told by new Blues boss Marco Silva he is not in his plans [Guardian].

The Congolese international joined Everton in August 2016 from Crystal Palace for £25m, but a bright start to his time at Goodison Park was curtailed by a cruciate ligament injury picked up against Manchester United the following December.

He returned 12 months later but has failed to rediscover the same form, and scored just one goal in 17 appearances for the Toffees under Sam Allardyce last season.

Bolasie did not feature at all in pre-season under Silva, and following the arrival of fellow wide men Richarlison and Bernard, he was likely to struggle for game time at Everton this season.

He was linked with deadline day moves to Boro [Sky Sports], Burnley and former club Palace [Mirror] but, after no deal materialized, Bolasie will spend this campaign with Steve Bruce’s men.

Speaking to Aston Villa’s offical website, Bolasie said:

“My main aim here is to get this club promoted. A club of this stature has to be in the Premier League.

“I looked around both Villa Park and the training ground, and me and my family just said, ‘wow’. It’s Premier League everywhere you look.

“I’m here to make myself smile again and use all my ability to try and help the team. It’s great to be here.”