Aston Villa: List of contract expiration dates, fueled by promotion push

Amid reports Aston Villa will suspend all contract-extension talks until the summer, we compile a complete list of expiration dates for the squad.

The Mirror reports Aston Villa will hold off contract extension talks with Jack Grealish until the summer – akin to what Alan Hutton was told by the club just a few weeks ago. Partly due to financial restrictions and partly due to the unknown, the club is simply unwilling to commit until it has a clear picture of its short and/or long-term future.

With that said, let us run through the list of contract expiration dates within the Aston Villa squad and analysis for each group:

Loans Expiring, June 2018:

GK – Sam Johnstone, 24, Manchester United

CB – Axel Tuanzebe, 20, Manchester United

CM – Josh Onomah, 20, Tottenham Hotspur

RW – Robert Snodgrass, 30, West Ham United

CF – Lewis Grabban, 30, Bournemouth

Sure is a tough group to lose upon season’s completion. First and foremost, Sam Johnstone will be paramount business for Steve Bruce in the summer. Every week he gets more and more expensive as a potential permanent transfer. Villa will have Premier League competition vying for his signature. Johnstone’s United teammate, Axel Tuanzebe, could have been acquired as a first-look for another loan next summer, but ultimately José Mourinho will have the final say.

Josh Onomah has found playing time harder to come by following Jack Grealish’s return from injury and Conor Hourihane’s continuously excellent season. I believe in his talent, but a return to Spurs is probable, where he will find playing time even more difficult to find.

Robert Snodgrass’ play in the Championship has been nothing short of spectacular, but questions about his age (31 next season), and career performance in England’s top-flight mean a permanent deal are not 100% certain. Lewis Grabban, bless his soul, is a rental.

Out-of-contract, June 2018:

GK – Mark Bunn

CB – Christopher Samba

CB – John Terry

RB/LB – Alan Hutton

CF – Gabriel Agbonlahor

4/5 of these guys seem like “wait-and-see” situations. Mark Bunn could always be brought back as a third-option in either division, though I think it unlikely at the moment.

Chris Samba, too, will receive a nice handshake should Villa achieve promotion, but I do not think he would be back unless the Championship beckons once more. Would John Terry welcome a return to the Premier League and fixtures against his beloved Chelsea F.C.?

Additionally, I do not think Alan Hutton will return unless both parties are comfortable with a significantly-reduced role within the team.

Bye bye, Gabby.