Conor Hourihane's departure from Barnsley has finally been confirmed.
The 25-year-old Corkman, one of the best players in the Championship this season, has joined Aston Villa. He has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the club.
Breaking transfer news: We are delighted to confirm the arrival of @ConorHourihane. #WelcomeConor #AVFC pic.twitter.com/lb8yWTD1Je
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 26, 2017
Though neither club have disclosed the transfer fee involved, the rumoured figure over the last few weeks has been £3 million. From Barnsley's perspective, that's quite a bit for a player out of contract this summer.
11 - Conor Hourihane has provided 11 assists in the Championship this season; four more than any other player. Villan.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 26, 2017
In a statement, Barnsley explained that Hourihane pushed for the move and considering that they could lose him for nothing this summer, now was the right time for a deal to be done.
Conor made it clear to the board that he saw the move as an opportunity to further his career and he wanted to pursue the move. Under these circumstances, and considering that Conor’s contract was coming to an end in the Summer where he could transfer for free, the Club respected that decision and reluctantly allowed him to move on for a significant fee and sell-on.
Hourihane joined Barnsley from Plymouth in 2014. He captained the club to promotion and victory in the Johnstone Paint Trophy final at Wembley last season.
He has also been instrumental in an impressive Barnsley season back in the Chamionship. They currently sit eighth, four points outside the playoffs.
The move will see the midfielder drop down the Championship, likely temporarily. Since Steve Bruce's arrival at Villa Park, there has been a steady improvement. Hourihane is Bruce's fifth signing of the January window.
