Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa inexplicably sell Nathan Baker to Bristol City

By Josh Tonti

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Nathan Baker of Aston Villa is closed down by Sam Gallagher of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa at Ewood Park on April 29, 2017 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Nathan Baker of Aston Villa is closed down by Sam Gallagher of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa at Ewood Park on April 29, 2017 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Out of the nowhere, Aston Villa have sold 26-year old central defender Nathan Baker to Bristol City. Baker’s 13-year relationship with Villa ends as he returns to the Championship club he spent the entire 2015/2016 on-loan with.

Wow, this is a bit of a shocker. Nathan Baker, who started 31 league matches last term, is gone. Sold to Bristol City in an undisclosed fee, Baker re-joins The Robins, whom he spent 2015/2016 with in a successful loan spell.

At face value this seems a bizarre, horrendous mistake given how he performed last season (pretty well). Moreover, Baker was 26, in his prime, and the only left-footed central defender in the squad (save Kevin Toner).

Baker helps strengthen a Championship rival in Bristol City. Presumably, the Englishman will partner one-time Villa target Aden Flint in defense. Together they form one of the tallest center back tandems at 6’6″ and 6’4″ respectively.

With the signings of John Terry and Chris Samba, Baker was looking like third or fourth-choice at the position for Steve Bruce.

From the comments below the official tweet and elsewhere, Aston Villa supporters are not happy. Understandably so, Nathan Baker formed a defensive unit that finished in the top-five in terms of fewest goals conceded.

More from Claret Villans

Now, Aston Villa will need to rely on James Chester, John Terry age 36, and Chris Samba age 33.

Micah Richards and Tommy Elphick are still around too, but both would move away if a suitable offer is received.

The depth comes from a trio of young players. Kevin Toner himself is left-footed and played Premier League matches two years ago. However, it’s reported that a loan move was on the table. Easah Suliman and Jacob Bedeau have yet to make their senior debuts, too.

Selling Nathan Baker helps Aston Villa fall in line with Financial Fair Play restrictions. He’s another player removed from the wage bill, and hopefully picked up a few million pounds (fee undisclosed).0

Villa need to hope John Terry can play almost every week on his ageing legs. This move is extremely risky.

Home/Transfer News