Signed, sealed, delivered: Aston Villa welcome Matty Cash

First Signing Secured, Welcome Matty Cash.

After having a quiet transfer period thus far, Aston Villa managed to secure its first signing of the Summer Window with the arrival of 23 year old right back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forrest. Although officially the fee is undisclosed, reports say Aston Villa secured Cash’s signature from Forrest for an initial 14 million pound fee which can rise up to 16 million with add-ons and bonuses amongst competition from other Premier League clubs like Fulham and Sheffield United among others.

Cash is a right back who came out of the Nottingham Academy and was able to make a total of 141 appearances with the club and over the last season made the jump up to full time starter with 42 starts and 43 appearances. A converted winger, Cash made the move to right back during the back half of the 2018-2019 season and performed well enough to make the position his own and hold back Carl Jenkinson who had transferred in from Arsenal during the 2019 summer window. Cash performed admirably in the Championship picking up several Man of the Match awards throughout the season while putting in solid defensive shifts for Forrest and helping out with 8 goal contributions over the course of the season. Notably, Cash was awarded Player of the Season for Nottingham and was the clear standout amongst their supporters who rate him highly.

Cash told the club it was an easy decision to make the move once he heard Villa were interested, “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, and I can’t wait to get started. Playing for such a big club is going to be brilliant.”

Cash will initially provide competition for the right back spot and will likely fight Frederic Guilbert for the spot. However, if the restart is any indication Dean Smith does not rate the Frenchman and Cash will likely claim the spot if his ability matches the fee the club has paid for his services. Cash should come in and fit the mold of Targett, an attack first full back who can provide creativity and width for a winger to float inside.

Head Coach Dean Smith is quite high on his newsest player, “We are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects. He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back.”