Aston Villa’s former record signing, 27, wakes up unemployed after he’s released by EFL club

ASTON VILLA’s former record signing Wesley is without a club following his release from Stoke City.

The striker has left the Potters after his contract came to an end.

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Stoke City have released Wesley[/caption]

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The striker was once Aston Villa’s record signing[/caption]

Wesley, 27, cost Villa £22million back in 2019, the most expensive fee the club had paid for a player.

He arrived from Club Brugge but failed to live up to the hype as he only scored five times in the Premier League over four years.

The Brazilian’s time at Villa Park was hampered by injury.

He suffered an ACL injury after a table from Ben Mee in January 2020 that kept him out for 480 days.

Wesley had multiple loans to try and recapture his form but left Villa in 2023.

He joined Stoke City last summer on a free transfer but failed to score in any of his 23 appearances in all competitions.

Wesley is now on the free agents list and has been joined by team-mates Tyrese Campbell and Ciaran Clark.

Stoke’s sporting director, Jonathan Walters, said: “Those departing do so knowing we are hugely grateful for their efforts during their time with the club.

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“In Tyrese’s case, to have played over 150 matches for one team is a rare feat in the modern era, it represents a significant contribution to the history of our club.”

The Potters survived relegation from the Championship with a late surge of form.

The club won the last three games of the season to finish six points above the bottom three.

Wesley is not the only notable player to find himself without a club ahead of the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kaylor Navas has revealed he is leaving the Ligue 1 giants.

Former Chelsea wonderkid Todd Kane has been released by Stockport.

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