Just a few days back, reports from the Sun was doing the round that Aston Villa are in the mix to sign Everton’s defender Ashley Williams. The Wales international has spent the season with Stoke City on loan, and his contract at the Merseyside club is set to come to an end soon. Therefore one can understand why the Villans are interested in this free transfer.
Gary Cahill: A better option than Williams
However, we would like to suggest that the one time European Champions can go after someone like Gary Cahill who is a much better option than Williams. The 33-year old’s contract is also expiring in the summer with Chelsea, and he is unlikely to stay with the London heavyweights beyond this season.
Cahill’s career is on a downward trajectory, but he has been a stalwart in Chelsea’s defence over the years and has helped them win the Premier League twice during his time with them. Villa’s current coach John Terry can probably influence the decision makers at Villa, and he can get his former teammate and defensive partner at the club.
The English defender is currently being linked with a move for Fulham, and the Cottagers are destined to go down to the Championship. Whereas, Villa might be moving the other way round if they win the playoffs and Villa Park might become a more attractive destination for the former Aston Villa academy product.
Why Villa need a defender?
Tyrone Mings joined the club in January, and the Bournemouth loanee has played a crucial role in the heart of the defence for the Clarets and the Blues. However, he would depart from the club once his loan spell expires. Same is the case with Wolves defender Kortney Hause.
Micah Richards has been forgotten for quite some time, and the club would be glad that his contract too would come to an end in the summer. Villa’s situation at the back is so dire that they have used defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak in defence on numerous occasions.
Therefore we expect them to undergo major surgery at the back and Cahill could be a plausible option to have. The defender is strong in the air and reads the dangers well. He is known for making crucial tackles and interceptions, and he could be the mainstay of Aston Villa’s defence if he joins them in the summer.
The club’s job of luring him could become easier if they make it to the Premier league but irrespective of promotion, they should go all out to sign this 61 times England international.
