The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsManchester City have signed Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph for £8 million, just one week after the English international announced he was staying at Villa Park.
Delph, who is a League Cup and FA Cup runner-up with Aston Villa, arrives at the Etihad Stadium on a four and a half year deal.
City had agreed to meet the £8 million release clause in the midfielders contract which was enforced into his deal at Villa Park when he signed in January.
“At just 25 years old, he still has his best years ahead,” said City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
“He is an excellent player, I am looking forward to working with him.”
Delph completed his medical with the Premier League runners-up on Friday, and will fly to Australia to meet up with his new team-mates in pre-season training.
Delph has been given the number 18 shirt, which was worn by former Chelsea and new New York City midfielder Frank Lampard.
Upon his departure, Aston Villa released the following statement:
“Aston Villa can confirm that Fabian Delph has exercised the release clause in his contract and will join Manchester City,” it said.
“We’d like to wish him success in his future career.”
But the deal comes less than a week after the midfielder announced he was staying with the FA Cup runners-up.
Delph, who began his career with Leeds United before making the move to Aston Villa in 2009, was part of the Villa side that reached the FA Cup final at Wembley last season, and was integral in securing the clubs Premier League status. The midfielder, who has now made six England appearances, made his debut for the national side against Norway last September.
