Colombian Midfielder Sanchez Joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Carlos Sanchez from Elche for an undisclosed fee.

The attacking midfielder, 28, who impressed at the 2014 Fifa World Cup with Colombia, has penned a four-year deal at Villa Park, subject to international clearance.

“I’m delighted to be here. It was always my aim to play in this country and this league,” he said.

Sanchez spent six years at French Ligue 1 club Valenciennes before joining Elche in 2013.

Carlos Sanchez Vies for the Ball With Brazil's Hulk During their Quarter-Final Clash at the World Cup.
Carlos Sanchez Vies for the Ball With Brazil’s Hulk During their Quarter-Final Clash at the World Cup.

The man nicknamed ‘The Rock’ becomes manager Paul Lambert’s fifth signing in the close season, following the arrival of Joe Cole, Philipe Senderos, kieran Richardson and Aly Cissokho.

“Carlos is a very experienced professional who played a prominent role in a Colombian team which captured everyone’s imagination at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil,” Lambert said.

“We’ve beaten other teams to bring him here to Villa.”

Colombia lost to hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Villa kick off their league campaign at Stoke City on Saturday.