The talented winger, once an Ajax academy standout, will look to kick-start his career after joining the Birmingham team on a temporary deal
Aston Villa have signed Anwar El Ghazi on a season-long loan from Lille.
Capped twice by Netherlands, 23-year-old winger El Ghazi is a graduate of Ajax's feted youth system.
After breaking into the first team, he seemed set for stardom in Amsterdam before a fallout with then head coach Petr Bosz paved the way for his switch to Lille in January 2017.
El Ghazi scored five times in 39 Ligue 1 appearances, but was not part of Lille boss Christophe Galtier's plans for the current campaign.
"Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Anwar El Ghazi from Lille on a season-long loan," the club signalled on their official website.
"The winger is a graduate of the academy at Dutch giants, Ajax for whom he played over 70 times including in the Champions League where he scored against Barcelona in the Nou Camp in 2014.
"Capped at senior international level by the Netherlands, El Ghazi has been with Lille since January 2017.
Also speaking to the website, El Ghazi stated: “I am thrilled to join a football club of the size of Aston Villa.
“I visited Villa Park late last night after flying in from Holland and it gave me goosebumps.
“I can’t wait to get out there and experience it for real and play in front of such passionate fans.”
The Netherlands international will hope to aid Steve Bruce's bid to return Villa to the Premier League after last season's play-off final loss to Fulham.
Darmyalone
0
Another special Ajax link up
TonyV25
1
Bielsa will remember him quiet well Championship clubs are also attracting some great talents
over36
1
Different style of player to what we currently have and more pace, definitely has a lot to learn but isn’t afraid to take on a defender and lots of pace. Only time will tell I guess but I’m hopeful!
yukon
1
If he’s anything like our last few Dutch players, he might be ok.
billionon
2
If he can take a free kick he should have ample opportunity to shine for us
Missour
1
Wouldn’t call him a winger. Right sided inside forward
sinecurea
1
From what I saw of him at ajax, a very good player.
Pinocch
1
He was great at Ajax but not many players have transitioned well from the Dutch league to the English leagues over the last 5 years
Toni13
1
Played fairly well under Bielsa at Lille but did struggle at times to adapt to a higher quality league
bushlive
1
Looks like he was brilliant for 2 seasons at Ajax... then didnt perform before forcing a move in January and has then had a decent 18 months for Lille.
zusamman
1
Especially last year before being injured against Lyon, since then he was discarded and the few times he played wasn't good enough
resourced
1
He plays for Lille as a winger good fk taker, struggled to exploit his talent ever since he came but showed glimpses of high class football
iudod33
1
Villa really pushing on with some quality loan signings now. Bruce almost there with Bolasie and El Ghazi and is now chasing a mystery client of Jorge Mendes who plies his trade in Estonia, Illuva Kibab. The striker netted 34 goals in 29 starts last season.