Aston Villa: 3 headlines to watch for in 2018

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DERBY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: James Chester of Aston Villa looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Aston Villa at iPro Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

2. The Futures of Aston Villa’s Premier League-quality talent: James Chester, John Terry, Jonathan Kodjia, Sam Johnstone, Conor Hourihane

Sam Johnstone established himself under Steve Bruce in 2017. Apparently enough so that West Bromwich Albion are interested at £4 million for the on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper. To Aston Villa, he may be gone far sooner than expected, but club owner Dr. Tony Xia doused water to those flames.

John Terry, recently turned 37, is a free agent at the expiry of the league season, as is Christopher Samba, 33. While it’s unlikely Terry returns no matter the season result, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility, especially given his brilliant play on the 2017/2018 term.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Aston Villa captain John Terry in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough at Villa Park on September 12, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

James Chester was a high-priced £8 million investment in the summer of 2016. He has lived up to the price and then some, playing nearly every minute of Championship action. He is a Premier League quality starter and someone any bottom-half club would be lucky to have. Aston Villa may have problems holding on the Wales international with P.L. riches and two years to go on his contract.

Jonathan Kodjia faced his second ankle surgery in 2017. Therefore, his value has never been lower. Still, it might not take a whole lot for another club in England to take a flier on the Ivory Coast international’s explosive attacking talent.

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