Aston Villa complete the signing of Boubacar Kamara | OneFootball

Aston Villa have successfully secured Boubacar Kamara’s signing on a free transfer from Olympique Marseille as confirmed by the club’s official website.

The Frenchman was exceptional for Jorge Sampaoli’s men during the just-concluded campaign where he helped Les Phoceens secure a return to the UEFA Champions League via a second-place finish in Ligue 1.

Kamara was reportedly wanted by a host of European heavyweights including Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United but Steven Gerrard’s men have now gotten a deal over the line and the Villa manager was evidently pleased.

“I am delighted that we have been able to attract one of the most promising young talents in European football,” Gerrard was quoted saying.

“We have a very clear plan to make our team stronger and Bouba is an important part of that.”

Kamara also expressed his delight to have moved to Villa Park where he will be under contract for the next five years.

“When I met with Steven (Gerrard), Christian (Purslow, chief executive) and Johan (Lange, sporting director) in my home I knew Aston Villa was for me,” the 22-year-old said (via Sky Sports).

“Their ambition and determination to succeed matches my own. I cannot wait for pre-season to get going.”

Following in the footsteps of Morgan Sansone, Kamara becomes the second player to depart Orange Velodrome in favour of a move to the Villans over the last two summers.

Capable of featuring both in defence and midfield, Kamara’s versatility is one of the reasons why he is highly rated and his arrival bodes well for Aston Villa going forward.

With the transfer window not even officially opened yet, Villa have already secured two impressive acquisitions in Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara as they will be looking to improve on a 14th-place finish from the 2021-22 season.