SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Gabriel of Arsenal closes down Danny Ings of Southampton during Southampton v Arsenal, The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round, on January 23, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Aston Villa sign Premier League journeyman Danny Ings
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with team mates (L – R) Danny Ings, Nathan Redmond and Jack Stephens after scoring their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on May 11, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Boyers – Pool/Getty Images)
Aston Villa has completed the signing of 29-year-old striker Danny Ings from Southampton.
According to BBC Sport, Aston Villa and Southampton have reached an agreement for £25M to send the English striker on his way to Villa Park.
With Villa’s star man Jack Grealish on the verge of signing with Manchester City for around £100M, Aston Villa has readied their own pocketbook. Danny Ings will join other summer signings Leon Bailey, Ashley Young and Emiliano Buendía.
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The England striker has made a name for himself in the EPL as he has played for a number of clubs such as Burnley, Liverpool, Southampton and now Aston Villa.
His new boss, Dean Smith, rightfully acknowledged his new signing’s reputation in England.
“Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played,” Smith said.
“He is also a top professional with a great character who will be a leader in our squad and a role model for our rapidly developing young academy players who are now in and around the first team.”
Source: BBC Sport
Ings has quite an impressive goal-scoring record in England’s top-flight; tallying 55 goals and 13 assists in his 140 league appearances. He scored 41 of those goals in 91 league appearances for Southampton.
It’s evident to anyone who watches the Premier League that Ings can put the ball in the back of the net but his reoccurring injury problems have hindered his progress in becoming one of the league’s top strikers.
Ings has missed time due to injury at every club he has played for — most notably missing more than a year during his time at Liverpool. In total, he has missed 110 games since 2014.
These seasonal injuries have kept Ings out of contention for the national team as well. Something he and Villa fans alike will be hoping is behind him.
Liverpool fans will be happy to hear that the Merseyside club is cashing in on the 20% sell-on clause they applied when the club sold Ings to Southampton. Liverpool will take home 20% of the fee above £20M.
All in all, Danny Ings to Aston Villa has all the makings of a successful transfer. If Ings can stay healthy, quickly build chemistry with his new teammates and the other new summer signings, there’s no reason we shouldn’t see Aston Villa in the top half of the table this season.
