Aston Villa new signing reveals two key factors in completing transfer

Aston Villa new signing Ludwig Augustinsson has spoken about his move from Sevilla after joining up with Steven Gerrard’s squad in Australia.

It was announced on Monday that Villa had reached an agreement for the left-back to arrive on a season-long loan, with Sevilla confirming that the deal included an option to buy. The experienced Sweden international will provide top-quality competition for Lucas Digne’s left-back berth, following the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle this summer.

Having played 19 league games and featured in the Champions League for the Spanish side, where he moved last summer after four years with Werder Bremen, Augustinsson is excited for a fresh challenge at Villa Park . The 28-year-old has revealed that his conversations with Villa boss Steven Gerrard and sporting director Johan Lange were pivotal in his decision to join the club.

“I’m feeling very happy, it’s a very big club and very traditional in England,” he told Villa TV . “I’m very happy to be here and I’ve had a very good welcome from everyone.

“I followed the Premier League for many, many years. It’s always been a target and a dream from when I was a kid. When the opportunity came up, I said to my agent ‘let’s do this’. I had a good chat with the gaffer and Johan (Lange) and I really felt that this club is going in the right direction.

“It’s a really good squad. It’s a big club with really good fans. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Villa were linked with several left-backs before opting for Augustinsson, with the 46-cap international already well-known to Lange from his time with Copenhagen, where he played alongside countryman Robin Olsen. Having also formed part of Sevilla’s backline with Diego Carlos,