It’s official then, Charles N’Zogbia is a Villan. I’d assumed that it wouldn’t be completed, or at least officially announced, until after the weekend since just about everyone is in Hong Kong at the moment, but I guess it really was just a formality in the end.

It looks like N’Zogbia is going to have the number 10 shirt, the same number he had at Wigan, left behind by John Carew. He’s joined on a five year contract in a deal said to be worth £9.5m. We’ve apparently beaten off pretty keen interest from Everton and Sunderland.

We’ve already covered what he’s likely to bring to the team in the in-depth statistical comparison with Downing, Young and Albrighton. There’s only a couple of pre-season matches left now – Derby and Braga – and he’s been enjoying something of an extended holiday, so he might not hit the ground running, but I’m confident that he’s going to fit in brilliantly given a little time.

Charles N’Zogbia
I am really happy and extremely excited to sign for Aston Villa. It is a great club and it is a really big step for me in my career, so I am sure I will enjoy my football here.

I think it is going to be a really good season and hopefully I’ll do well here. I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates, play with them and work together to do something special this season.

Indeed. Welcome to the Villa, Charles!