The latest Aston Villa transfer news for Friday 19th June.
JAMES CHESTER
Amidst a heap of decidedly dodgy Championship signings, James Chester proved to be an excellent acquisition.
Despite succumbing to a knee injury, his time at Villa will be recalled for consistency and quality in leading a Villa side that lurched badly under the stewardship of hapless Dr Tony.
As recognition of this, Chester even lifted the Playoff Final trophy following victory over Derby County, despite having played no part in the match back in May.
His contribution to Villa’s turnaround cannot therefore be overlooked.
Chester has been on loan at Stoke City since recovering from injury and their boss Michael O’Neill is mulling what to do next.
The former Albion player arrived after a long period out played only a handful of games before lockdown due to Covid-19.
The Welsh international is now 31, but will have to manage the lasting effects of the knee injury sustained against Denmark in November 2018.
Infamously he played on this injury owing to Villa’s then lack of defensive reinforcements. The deterioration and ultimate affects upon him were costly.
Given Villa’s priorities and investment in players like Mings, Konsa and Hause, Chester will become a free agent at the end of the season, but there is hope that a move to Stoke will materialise. On this, O’Neill stated:
I think he made a really positive impression in the games he played.
He has been a really positive influence about the club as well.
You can see that he has played the majority of his career at a very high level, obviously an international player as well.
Remarking on his own future, Chester himself stated:
My current contract at Aston Villa expires this summer and it is something
I have thought of slightly but as we’re waiting on so many decisions, I haven’t really asked too many questions.
I don’t think people at clubs will have any kind of answer for me.
DOYLE HAYES
The 21 year old starred last night in a 2-0 win for Cheltenham Town over Northampton, but looks set to depart Villa Park unless a new deal is confirmed.
Find out more about Doyle-Hayes’ exploits in League 2 and his outlook here.
ROUND-UP
In a week where Villa have returned to Premier League action (0-0 Sheffield United) you might have missed the latest transfer updates on:
- Jack Grealish to Man Utd – £75m ?!?
- Callum O’Hare set for Coventry City move?
- Matija Sarkic moving on?
- Caolan McBride to seal 3 year deal.
- Villa’s Christian Luyindama interest?
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