This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has returned to his previous club Brentford to secure the signing of defender Ezri Konsa in a £12m deal, as confirmed on the club website.

Konsa was an important cog in the Brentford side last season and had attracted interest from a host of clubs, but it is Villa who have sealed the services of the centre-back.

"He's a high-potential player who I believe can step up to the Premier League and I'm really looking forward to working with him again," said Villa manager Dean Smith to their club website.

Konsa will join up with the Villa squad when they fly to the United States to continue their pre-season training.

So is Konsa a good signing for Villa?

We discuss........

Ben Lang

"Konsa is a good signing for Villa, as he is still a young player and already has plenty of Championship experience under his belt.

"I don't think the 21-year-old will be a regular starter for Villa in the Premier League at first, but he is a strong back-up option for the likes of Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause.

"Konsa will also be able to take his game to the next level at Villa, and he will definitely learn a lot from having former England defender John Terry as one of his coaches.

"The move will come as a blow to Brentford, as they are losing a player who featured regularly last term. However, the blow will be softened by the fact they have already signed centre-back duo Ethan Pinnock and Pontus Jansson, who should be capable of replacing the departing duo of Konsa and Yoann Barbet."

Toby Wilding

"I think this is an absolutely brilliant piece of business by Brentford.

"The Bees have essentially replaced Konsa, who has just a single season at Championship level, with an experienced and well established centre back in shape of Pontus Jansson from Leeds, arguably strengthening their line up in doing so.

"When you look at the fees reported to have been paid for the two players, this becomes even more impressive for Brentford, who have apparently spent a lot less on Jansson than what they have supposedly received for Konsa.

"The 21-year-old's departure does mean however that Brentford are still slightly short on numbers in defence, although as has already been alluded to, they should have plenty of funds available to solve that particular problem sooner rather than later."

Chris Gallagher

"What an impressive signing this is.

"To get a player with the potential of Konsa for £12m in today's market is excellent business from Dean Smith and Villa.

"The centre-back has great physical attributes and he can also bring the ball out of defence well and start attacks from the back. Going forward, he really could be a complete modern day defender.

"Of course, the step up may be tough initially but Villa have got someone who could star for them for the next decade.

"As well as that, Smith knows him well from his Brentford days. It seems as though it's a great move all-round."