Bjorn Engels is excited at the prospect of playing Premier League football with Aston Villa after signing from Stade Reims. The 24-year-old became Villa’s eighth new arrival of the summer transfer window for an undisclosed fee as boss Dean Smith continues building a squad he hopes will thrive back in the Premier League.
Former Belgium Under-21 international defender, Engels, only made his move to Reims permanent earlier in the summer after he made 34 appearances on loan from Olympiakos last term. However, the French Ligue 1 side have immediately sold him on to Villa and Engels is now looking forward to continuing his career in England.
He told the Villa official website: “I like to play from out of the back. I like to play football. “I’m also good in duels and can be a threat at set pieces. “I know the way he [Smith] wants to play, we spoke about it and I think I will fit into that style. “He doesn’t just want to be a part of the Premier League. He wants results and to get as high as possible.
“I can’t compare this level of football now to anything I’ve played in before, in Greece, Belgium or France. “It was always a dream for me to come and play in the Premier League. It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours but I’m now very happy to be here. “I’m excited to get going.” Smith added: “Bjorn is a player that I’ve been watching for the past 18 months. “We’re very happy to have secured his services and look forward to working with him.”
