The Aston Villa fans in the Transfer Tavern have been delighted by the impact John Terry has had on the club since arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, and recent reports suggest another Premier League veteran could be on his way to Villa Park during the upcoming transfer window.
Steve Bruce’s side are set to have a stab at achieving promotion to the Premier League this season in the Championship play-offs this month. The Villans have narrowly missed out on finishing inside an automatic promotion place, but that has not deterred the club’s hierarchy from making plans for a potential Premier League campaign next time round.
According to the Daily Mirror, Villa are lining up a bid to re-sign Gareth Barry this summer if they achieve promotion to the top-flight. The report claims that Barry wants to continue to play in the top-flight next season and, with West Bromwich Albion on the brink of relegation, a potential deal could be on the cards.
The importance of having experienced players in the top-flight cannot be expressed highly enough, so it would certainly be a wise move to bring Barry back to the club where he made his name in English football. John Terry’s impressive form in the Championship this season is living proof that quality ultimately shines through regardless of age and diminishing physical attributes – something which Bruce should bare in mind when weighing up a potential deal for Barry.
Even at 37-years-of-age, Barry has plenty to offer Villa next season. Barry has never been blessed with pace or relied on it to become a success in English football as his technical qualities and footballing brain have enabled him to make more appearances than any other player in Premier League history, so Bruce should have no concerns about completing a deal for his services.
Villa will need to add plenty of quality players to their ranks this summer in order to ensure they have strength in depth throughout their squad in their fight for survival. Signing Barry for a cut-price fee would be a wise place to start, and his history with Villa should give them a huge chance of completing a deal.
Aston Villa fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
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