Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith is delighted with the club’s transfer business this summer.
In a wide-ranging interview with VillaTV, Smith expressed his gratitude to the club’s owners for his ability to add high-quality signings and also secure Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings to new contracts.
Ross Barkley was the club’s latest new addition on Wednesday, joining Bertrand Traore, Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window next Monday.
Asked how happy he is with the dealings done this summer, Smith told VillaTV: “I’m really happy.
“I’m really thankful we’ve been backed by the owners to go and improve the squad.
“It’s only been five players we’ve brought in but also the statement of the signings in Jack and Tyrone (new contracts).
“It’s been really pleasing and I think we look a really decent Premier League squad this season and full of quality.”
Barkley, 26, has arrived from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.
And Smith is over the moon to secure his services, revealing he sees the 26-year-old as a box-to-box midfielder who thrives as a No.8 but can also play in the No.10 role.
“I’ve said it many times so far during this early pre-season and start of the season, Jack Grealish was a statement of intent, Tyrone Mings, Ollie Watkins, Matt Cash, Emi Martinez, Bertrand Traore and now Ross Barkley – another statement of intent,” said the Villa boss.
“I’m very thankful we’ve got owners who want to progress the football club.
“They’ve allowed us to go out and get a player of that quality, who has been playing for one of the top-four teams for the last few seasons.
“He is a great addition to our squad with the quality he brings.”
You can watch Dean’s full interview with VillaTV below.
During the 10-minute chat, Dean also discusses his delight at the club’s start to the season, the emergence of Jacob Ramsey, our Carabao Cup Round Four tie against Stoke City, Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool and more…
