Aston Villa released an official statement about the end of their formal relationship with ex-Chelsea captain, John Terry. After a season-long spell at Villa Park, the 37-year-old was expected to pen down an extension to his contract for another year at least. But after Villa’s failure to earn promotion to the Premier League, Terry has decided to part ways with the side, still unclear over the possibilities of retirement.
After much reflection, it would be fair to say that the Englishman played a massive role in Aston Villa’s run till the playoff final of the EFL Championship last season. The amount of impact Terry had on the team as well as the defence cannot be looked over by anybody, let alone the manager himself.
Steve Bruce remained vocal about his intentions to sign the veteran for another season. He praised the defender highly, complimenting his leadership abilities. When Terry went down to an injury late into the 2017/18 season, we could clearly see the imbalance in the Villa defence. On his absence, the team looked less dangerous and more vulnerable at the back.
Replacing a player of his integrity and stature is almost impossible without spending mountainous amounts in the current market but Bruce will have to try if he is to improve upon his previous season’s performance. He is already pressed with reducing the club’s player wages from £33m to £15m before the start of the 2018/19 season.
Here are a few players the 57-year-old should consider to replace Terry.
Martin Skrtel
Rangers missed out on him specifically for his high wage demands but the player seems keen on making a return to English football. Sure, Villa are not in the Premier League yet but they certainly can be in the next with Skrtel in their ranks.
He could also settle for anything close to the £60,000 Villa was paying Terry last season. At 33, he has the experience to really solidify the Claret and Blues backline and Fenerbahce might just agree to sell him.
James Collins
The former West Ham United man expressed his severe emotional distress after being released by the club last week. Collins played a key role in the Hammers fight towards Premier League survival but sadly was not offered a new contract.
He has over a decade of top-flight experience and is also a 51-cap Wales international. Villa could pick him for free, as plenty of other outfits are looking into the 34-year-old’s services.
Jan Kirchhoff
Last but definitely not the least by any margin. Kirchoff is just 27 and is surprisingly without a club. Most of his misfortunes can be tied to his constant battle with injuries but the German was once a high profile name in the Sunderland ranks.
He certainly could use a second shot at English football and has the talent to make it into the Villa lineup.
