Aston Villa on Monday have appointed former Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal head coach, Unai Emery, to replace replace Steven Gerrard, who was sacked last week.
However, Villa club did not reveal the duration of Emery’s deal, which will start work from November 1, after the work visa is resolved.
Emery has been in charge of Villarreal since 2020, and the European press indicates that Aston Villa paid a termination penalty to release the Spaniard from the contract – the amount would be 6 million euros.
“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s new head coach,” Villa said in a statement.
“Unai joins from Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League success by beating Manchester United in the final in 2021, as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
“A highly-experienced top level coach who has managed over 900 games, Unai has also previously managed in the Premier League during a spell with Arsenal, leading the Gunners to a Europa League final.
“The 50-year-old Spainiard has also enjoyed notable success at Sevilla and at Paris Saint Germain.” Villa added.
Emery will have the mission to remove the Birmingham team from the relegation zone of the Premier League.
The Hammers so far are in 14th place on 12 points, just three above the relegation zone, in which three teams have nine points – Villa got a breather after thrashing Brentford at the weekend.
Villa have won only two of their 11 league matches this term and their tame surrender at Craven Cottage proved the final straw for the club’s hierarchy as they axed Gerrard after just 11 months in charge.
At the club, Emery will find a squad that includes three Brazilians: defender Diego Carlos, midfielder Douglas Luiz and midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
