Aston Villa has completed a permanent transfer of former Derby County loanee Lewis Dobbin for an undisclosed fee from Everton, according to the club’s official media.
The 21-year-old has been at the Toffees since the age of 11 and made 20 senior appearances for the club. Dobbin mastered his craft in the EFL having a loan spell at Derby during the 2022/23 campaign. The Englishman tallied 11 goal contributions for the Rams, hitting the back of the net five times and assisting a further six.
His form at Pride Park, which included a stunning striker against Torquay United in the FA Cup, saw him return to Goodison Park hoping to earn a first team spot. He started this season by featuring in the opening three games, but then largely played a bit-part role for Sean Dyche’s men. However, he did score his first goal for the club from the bench in a 2-0 win over Chelsea in December.
Dobbin will now wear the famous claret and blue kit with the addition of Champions League football after Unai Emery’s fourth-place finish in the Premier League. The youngster is valued at £2.5 million according to Transfermarkt.
The Englishman still cherishes Derby dearly, regularly tweeting his support for the team. His League One campaign showed consistent pass accuracy accompanied by bursting pace a key feature. Villa will hope to utilise this in the upcoming season. Upon confirmation, the attacker tweeted:
“So happy to be joining such a huge club with big ambitions. An incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and give my all for this club. See you all at Villa Park!”
Writer’s View
Lewis Dobbin was a clinical winger when given consistent game time at Derby County. His frightening pace and clinical striking in front of goal could make him a perfect fit for Aston Villa.
It is very believable to suggest the youngster can make an impact off the bench in tight cagey fixtures at the top level of English football. He will be dearly missed by Everton having grown up at the club from such a young age but this transfer seems suitable for the next chapter of his career.
