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Chris Samba Waiting on Aston Villa Contract

By Josh Tonti

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 08: Salvatore Bocchetti (L) of FC Spartak Moscow is challenged by Christopher Samba of FC Dinamo Moscow during the Russian Premier League match between FC Spartak Moscow and FC Dinamo Moscow at the Arena Otkritie Stadium on May 08, 2016 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 08: Salvatore Bocchetti (L) of FC Spartak Moscow is challenged by Christopher Samba of FC Dinamo Moscow during the Russian Premier League match between FC Spartak Moscow and FC Dinamo Moscow at the Arena Otkritie Stadium on May 08, 2016 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images) /
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After two U-23 appearances, Aston Villa manager told veteran central defender Chris Samba he is considering offering him a contract.

Chris Samba has been training at Bodymoor Heath the last two weeks in hopes of landing a deal with the claret and blue. Samba, 32, is out of contract after Greek side, Panathinaikos dissolved his deal on January 20th, 2017.

One might remember Samba from his Queens Park Rangers days. Then QPR manager – in January 2013- Harry Redknapp transferred in the Congolese defender for a reported £12.5 million. He did not last long, however, as QPR went straight down to the Championship and Samba left the following summer back to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

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In Monday’s U-23 match against Wolves, Samba, by most accounts, looked very solid.

The 6′ 4″ defender left the match after sixty minutes, replaced by the returning Jordan Lyden.

Samba has a few qualities working for him that may suit Aston Villa’s needs. Firstly, being that he is a central defender. Villa only have three first team center backs on the roster.

After James Chester, Nathan Baker, and Tommy Elphick, the next center back is? Kevin Toner? Micah Richards?

Moreover, Samba’s brute strength plays well in the English second division where technical quality is sometimes lacking. He showed off his aerial ability during the U-23 match by nearly scoring on a header.

Samba could be a solid fit if Steve Bruce believes he can nurture some of the younger players from the bench. The former Congo international holds a lifetime a football experience. He has played in: France (Sedan), Germany (Hertha), England (Blackburn, QPR), Russia (Anzhi), and Greece (Panathinaikos).

It remains to be seen whether Vila executives and Samba’s representatives strike an agreement. Before training in Birmingham, Samba was turned down by Crystal Palace and his former manager, Sam Allardyce.

Remembrance of QPR in 2013 should frighten any Villa supporter. However, if Samba can prove a quality back-up, Aston Villa could save themselves funds for the summer. Center back could be one less position to worry about.

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