According to latest reports in the Sun, Steve Bruce has asked his new Aston Villa owners to sanction a move to re-sign former Chelsea defender John Terry. The veteran Englishman was part of the Villans squad last season as they reached the playoff finals. Bruce had to let him go after their season ended in heartbreak, and the club was facing some significant financial setback. The wage bills were piling up, and they couldn’t have afforded Terry for another year. However, after the takeover, things don’t seem as bad as it was and the new owners have stabilised the club at least off the field.
Villa suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Sheffield United, and it seems clear that the Clarets and Blues would require defensive cover if they are to vie for the playoff spot. Bruce has gone on to use Mile Jedinak in the centre back role so far this season even though the Australian veteran is more of a defensive midfielder.
It is clear that Bruce wants a strong and dominating presence at the back along with club captain James Chester and as Terry showed last season, he would be a better pick over the Australian any day of the week.
Terry made 36 appearances last season and showed the world that even at this day and age, he could turn up and pass through the vigours of the Championship. He was nowhere close to what he was in his prime, but even then, the Villans benefitted immensely by having the former Champions League winner at the back.
Back to back losses against Burton in Carabao Cup and Sheffield United in the league have showcased Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities. The squad lacks option in the centre back position, and many are of the opinion that they should use Axel Tuanzebe in the centre back role who has so far been used in the right back position.
Given the fact that the Villans have no real cover, they should give another go at bringing back the English legend back to Villa Park. Terry even gave a subtle hint on social media that he wouldn’t mind returning to Aston Villa. At the age of 37, he wouldn’t be expected to play every game, but his organisational and leadership qualities would help the team. His defensive stats and numbers were quite impressive last campaign, and if he still has that drive and hunger in him, Villa would be lucky to have him back.
Villa’s attacking outlet for the season looks impressive as they have the likes of Jonathan Kodjia, Jack Grealish, Anwar El Ghazi, Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie at their disposal and it’s the defence which needs a bit of tuning.
Terry’s wages, however, would be a significant cause of concern and given the financial trouble they faced, the owners might be sceptical of making some of the old mistakes. However, if they want to save their team and manager’s season, they should listen to Bruce’s request and sanction this move.
Note: Free Agents can still be signed outside of the transfer window.
