When Charles N’Zogbia signed for Aston Villa, many people thought it could turn out to be a really good transfer. N’Zogbia had represented France the year before, showing enough form to impress manager Laurent Blanc.
However, his time at the club won’t be looked back on fondly. A grand total of four goals in 5 years isn’t a statistic N’Zogbia will be proud of, and it didn’t pay back the transfer fee and wages which Villa shelled out.
N’Zogbia was of course never all about goals but he didn’t show enough in his all round play, despite the odd flash which suggested improvement would come. Injury of course didn’t help but it would be wrong to suggest that was the major reason for the Frenchman’s failure.
Released by Aston Villa at the end of his contract in June, N’Zogbia was supposed to sign for FC Nantes over a week ago. A deal was all agreed but then L’Equipe reported N’Zogbia has asked for a ‘time of reflection’ and was giving serious thought to the prospect of Nantes, rather than just jumping at the chance.
There was a possibility someone better would come in, with Nantes then 18th in Ligue 1, but now the player has decided to accept the offer.
L’Equipe say N’Zogbia is set for a medical with Nantes after giving ‘final approval’ to the transfer. He’ll join the French club on a one year deal with a further year option.
It may take some time to get N’Zogbia match fit, given that the last time he represented Aston Villa was in November.
