Aston Villa sign Danny Ings on a three-year deal

Aston Villa continued their impressive performance in the summer transfer window with the signing of Danny Ings from Southampton for £25 million. The former England international has signed a three-year deal with the Midlands club. 

“Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played,” said Villa boss Dean Smith

“He is also a top professional with a great character who will be a leader in our squad and a role model for our rapidly developing young academy players who are now in and around the first team.”

Southampton wanted to keep Danny Ings, who was about to enter the last year of his contract with the Saints. He was offered a four-year deal by the Saints but turned them down since he wanted to test himself on a higher level. 

At 29, Ings is at the peak of his physical capabilities as a footballer and was among the contenders for the Golden Boot two seasons ago. He emerged as one of Southampton’s most important players during his time at St Mary’s, scoring 46 goals in 100 appearances. Ings will now compete with Olly Watkins at Villa for playing time. 

He previously featured for Liverpool before joining Southampton in 2018. However, his time at Merseyside was hindered by recurring knee injuries that caused the club to lose confidence in him. But now, he is back to his best and could surely help Villa back to European spots by the end of the campaign.