One of the most active summer transfer windows in Aston Villa’s recent history, it’s time to take a look at some of the other signings, not just the ones that stole the headlines. Part 1 can be found here.
All transfer fees are taken from www.transfermarkt.com
Adama Traore – From Barcelona – £7-million
The former Barcelona man has slotted into the Villa side nicely since his arrival. He adds real impact to what has been a lackluster side for the most part in previous seasons and gives a real edge when running at defenders.
The 19-year-old possess great speed and strength on the ball while still being able to supply end product, thanks to his excellent football upbringing at FC Barcelona.
Worry does surround the deal, however, with Barcelona able to buy back the player within the first three years of the five-year deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-9mT_bq97w
Scott Sinclair – From Manchester City – £2.45-million
Scott Sinclair has hit a real rich vein of form in recent games, scoring 3 past Notts County in the Capital One Cup and placing two past a weak Sunderland defence, while still possessing quality to beat players and slot strikers in – a massive upgrade on Charles N’Zogbia.
During his loan spell at Villa he wasn’t brilliant, however, he was incredibly useful at drawing defenders out of position and Tim Sherwood exploited that use to good effect.
Sinclair also seems a lot more comfortable down the left-hand side now with the new signing of Jordan Amavi giving more than enough support going forward and being able to interchange with the French U21 effectively.
He’s too old now to act on the potential he once had, he hasn’t had necessary game time to reach that potential. Yet that doesn’t make him a poor player or a bad signing, it’s just going to be a question of what he thinks is realistically achievable during his time with us.
Jose Angel Crespo – Granada – £490-thousand
Crespo wasn’t even in the squad for the opening day of the season, and that could be a cause of concern.
The benefits of signing him are that he has a solid amount of experience as a defender having played in Spain and Italy.
However, with Tim Sherwood opting to start Bacuna in his place means that the Spaniards future may only be as a squad player.
The fact he only cost a 6 figure sum means that his absence isn’t as noticeable, and the possibility that he may just need some extra bedding in time shouldn’t be discounted. Yet it’s still disappointing that Sherwood didn’t have the confidence in him to give him a debut right away.
What it also shows is that whilst Amavi is a clear upgrade on our previous options at left back, Crespo doesn’t have the ability to step up to that level.
The jury may still be out on him but if he can’t start against a recently promoted team then what hope does he have of starting against a bigger team.
Mark Bunn – from Norwich city – FREE
The debate on who starts in-goal for Villa seems to be quieting down.
Nonetheless, Bunn does have the ability to be a solid backup at Premier League level and will put in performances when required.
Being in the shadow of former England international John Ruddy didn’t quell concerns about the deal, however, Bunn was solid in his 23 games at Norwich during his time in the Premier League.
He may not have the ability to make a match-winning save like Guzan but his place as backup number 1 puts us in a much better position that under Shay Given.
Matija Sarkic – from Anderlecht – unknown
The young keeper joins straight from Anderlecht on a 3-year deal and goes straight into the U21 side, ready to develop and test the likes of Brad Watkins and Craig Hill.
Long term we hope we can develop a keeper that’ll really test Guzan as he enters the latter years of his career.
Micah Richards – from manchester city – FREE
Arguably the best value for money transfer Villa have made in a while, Richards fee of nothing represents a steal for the club and looks nailed on to be positive for club and player.
Villa have picked up a player that could play for a top 6 club if he hadn’t been given the cold shoulder by Manchester City, and Richards will be keen to put in quality performances in order to get back in the England reckoning for Euro 2016.
Richards has linked up well with Clark in order to suppress attacks and stifle chances.
Not only that but he can also make a competent right back and would be a first choice should Sherwood chose to go down that route.
He also can offer us the ability to play three at the back to support our wide areas more, by playing him, Okore, Clark, Lescott or Tiago Illori in central defence.
The tactical flexibility alone makes him a good buy yet his ability as a defender could also mean the difference between us just staying up or pushing on for a top half finish.
Joleon Lescott – from west Bromwich Albion – £980-thousand
Local lad that seemed to slip through the radar when he was at the Villa academy as a young lad, before going on to make a name for himself at local rivals Wolves, a decent signing with valuable Premier League experience.
A 2 year deal will safeguard Villa from the defender picking up his wages and sitting on the books for a long period, however Sherwood will look to partner Lescott and Richards in defence providing the two stay injury free.
The Premier League winner has played an incredible 21,000 minutes in the Premier League thanks to his first team roles at Everton and Manchester City and will only help the likes of Jores Okore and Ciaran Clark develop in years to come.
Thiago Ilori – from Liverpool – LOAN (£1-million fee)
The Portuguese defender who was born in England has found himself at 22 not playing any games at the top-level for Liverpool, not even getting an appearance in cup games after a big move from Sporting CP – some say he has been passed from pillar to post by Brendan Rodgers – but now he really has a chance to shine in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
Quick, agile but also and most importantly comfortable on the ball unlike outgoing Nathan Baker. Standing at 6ft 3″, he can get up to head a ball too. But it won’t be easy-going for the Portuguese u21 to break into the side with Ciaran Clark, Micah Richards, Jores Okore and now Joleon Lescott in front of him in the pecking order.
