Villa welcome back Axel Tuanzebe

Aston Villa have secured the services of Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe for another season as the 20-year defender will join Steve Bruce’s side on a season-long loan deal. Tuanzebe, listed as a center back, can also play right back, and at times, defensive midfield. Tuanzebe made five appearances for the Villans last season, all at right back before succumbing to an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Cardiff back in April.

While Tuanzebe saw regular first-team action for Manchester United this preseason, it was unlikely he’d see regular football if he stayed at Old Trafford this year, so the loan move back to Steve Bruce and Villa makes a great deal of sense for both sides. Tuanzebe can continue his development and Villa receives a versatile defender while deepening its reserves on the back line. Based on his involvement last season, Villa fans can expect to see quite a bit of Tuanzebe over the course of the season.

This signing fits nicely with Villa’s emerging transfer philosophy of signing younger players with potential and upside. The defender likely won’t feature in tonight’s game against Hull but will probably be available for the season’s home opener against Wigan on Saturday.