Stoke pull off transfer coup by snapping up Brazil international and £22m Premier League star on permanent deal

STOKE CITY have snapped up Brazil international Wesley from Aston Villa on a permanent deal.

The striker was Villa’s record signing when he joined from Club Brugge in a £22million deal four years ago.

After an injury-hit spell at Villa Park, he spent last season on loan at Spanish Segunda Division side Levante.

But now Wesley, 26, has made a permanent move to the Potteries under Stoke boss Alex Neil.

He put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the bet365 Stadium.

And the forward wants to show he can cut it in the English game - despite dropping a level to the Championship.

Wesley said: “I had a very positive six months in the Premier League with Aston Villa before my injury.

"I now see this move to Stoke as a great opportunity for me to show my best football in England.

“Last season, I played a lot for Levante in Spain, which was great for me to get back to 100 per cent so I am now ready.

“I spoke to my representatives about the fresh project here at Stoke and we collectively decided this is the best place for me to join.”

Wesley managed six goals in 22 appearances for Villa in 2019-20 but only added a further four appearances before the switch up the M6.

He missed virtually the entirety of 2020 after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

That horror injury came just two months after the striker made his senior international debut for Brazil as a substitute against Argentina.

Stoke fans were delighted to snap up the new signing - one of seven permanent arrivals plus three loanees to arrive this summer.

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While Villa supporters sent their best wishes for a popular player who did not get the chance to fulfil his potential at the club.

One said: "Cracking signing! Looked superb when he signed for Villa and suffered a bad injury. Wesley’s going to get a bag full!"

Another wrote: "One year permanent that’s fantastic business, extend if he does well, welcome Wesley."

A third added: "Really wish things worked out with Villa, but I'll be watching out for Stoke this season, rooting for Wes. Potentially a very shrewd signing. He is all heart."

And a final user commented: "Good luck Wes. One of the worst injuries we’ve had at Villa and seeing you even back playing is a credit to you."