The deal is done.
What was on the verge of turning into a transfer saga has finally been completed as Corkman Conor Hourihane joins Aston Villa from Barnsley.
Earlier this week it seemed the move was being held up by Barnsley’s lack of a chief executive, but the midfielder is Birmingham bound after signing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
11 – Conor Hourihane has provided 11 assists in the Championship this season; four more than any other player. Villan.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 26, 2017
Last Friday, the writing appeared to be on the wall as reports circulated that the Corkman was set for a medical at Aston Villa while Villa boss Steve Bruce told reporters “we are waiting to hear back from Barnsley today and we hope we can announce something with that today.”
Yet, come Saturday, Hourihane was captaining the Tykes and sumptuously guiding home the deciding free kick before he admitted to Sky Sports that his head had been turned by Villa’s interest.
On Thursday morning Villa announced the news fans were dying to hear.
Breaking transfer news: We are delighted to confirm the arrival of @ConorHourihane. #WelcomeConor #AVFC pic.twitter.com/lb8yWTD1Je
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 26, 2017
Fans seem, for the most part, happy with the signing.
https://twitter.com/AVFC_Religion/status/824584203723542532
announce promotion
— Danny Lynd (@Danlynd07) January 26, 2017
finally it's over!!!! pic.twitter.com/5vagF6GUr2
— ChicoHamiltonsPants (@ChicoPants) January 26, 2017
With one poignant word of advice from a Barnsley fan.
what a fantastic player you're just signed. One of the best Ive ever seen in a Barnsley shirt. Look after him.
— BFC Luke (@BFC_Luke) January 26, 2017
