Aston Villa have signed Jota from rivals Birmingham City on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reuniting the Spanish winger with manager Dean Smith.
Jota was a key player for Smith at Brentford before joining Birmingham in 2017, going on to make 75 appearances during a two-year spell at St Andrews.
The 27-year-old has previously played for hometown club Celta Vigo, Real Madrid Castilla and Eibar, and Smith expressed his delight at having him in his squad for Villa s first season back in the Premier League.
I worked with Jota at Brentford, Smith told the club s official website. He s a superb, talented player and Birmingham signed him as their record transfer.
I can t wait to be in the with this club. speaks for the first time as an player.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial)
I m really happy to have him back working with us. He s got great ability, great balance and a great eye for both goals and assists.
Jota, whose most prolific season in English football came when he scored 12 goals in 21 Championship appearances for Brentford in 2016-17, said: I am very happy to come and play for a club like Aston Villa.
It s important for me to come and play in the Premier League. I ve been looking for this for some years. I think I am in a good club to play there. This is one of England s best clubs.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old midfielder Gary Gardner completed a move in the opposite direction, joining on a permanent contract after spending 2018-19 on loan at Blues.
