Who is Bertrand Traoré? Here's everything you need to know about Aston Villa's new signing
Premier League club Aston Villa has signed forward Bertrand Traoré from Lyon for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance, according to a report by Yahoo Sports. He began his senior career with Villa’s Premier League competitions Chelsea and has also had loan spells with clubs Vitesse and Ajax, according to the report. His contract details have not been announced by the club yet.
Villa boss Dean Smith reportedly stated on his club's website: "We're delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa. He's a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options." The club skipped relegation on the final day of last season after winning promotion through the Sky Bet Championship play-offs. They have also signed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and full-back Matty Cash, and kick off their top-flight campaign at home to Sheffield United on September 21.
Who is Bertrand Traoré?
He began his career at Auxerre and finished his development at Chelsea. The footballer made his debut in a one-and-a-half-year loan at Vitesse in the Eredivisie. After one season in the Premier League with Chelsea, he was loaned back to the Netherlands to play for Ajax in 2016, and a year later signed for Lyon for €10 million ($11.8 million). Traoré represented Burkina Faso at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He participated in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2011 African U-17 Championship. The youngster helped Burkina Faso beat Rwanda 2–1 in the continental final.
In October 2013, he officially signed a four-and-half-year contract with Chelsea. Later in December 2013, he signed a contract for Chelsea's senior team and completed the transfer in January 2014. On January 2, 2014, Traoré signed on loan for the Eredivisie side Vitesse.
In July 2014, it was confirmed that he would be at Vitesse on loan for the 2014–15 season. The athlete scored his first goal of the season in a 4–1 victory over Willem II. During his first loan, he primarily played on the right-wing but later switched to being the lone striker up top leading up to him scoring on in a 1–1 draw against Groningen.
In June 2015, he received a work permit and eventually a clearance to play for Chelsea for the 2015–16 season onwards. The young player received the number 14 shirt, previously worn by André Schürrle. In September that year, Traoré made his Chelsea debut in a 4–0 victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Champions League group stage. He came in at the 77th-minute as the substitute for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. His Premier League debut came in December. He played the final seven minutes of a 0–1 home loss to AFC Bournemouth.
In the 2020 Coupe de la Ligue Final, Traoré was the only player to miss in the penalty shootout. The match was won by Paris Saint-Germain 6–5 after a goalless draw. According to Yahoo Sports, he has been reportedly signed for £17 million ($21 million) by Villa.