Aston Villa reportedly come to terms with Bristol City’s Joe Bryan
By Josh Tonti
The Bristol City left back will become Aston Villa’s 2nd permanent signing of the transfer window, and fourth overall.
The left back position at Villa Park has been mired in mediocrity, injury and poor performance for the better part of a decade. Aston Villa, finally, are set for an exciting reprieve with the signing of Bristol City’s Joe Bryan.
Bryan, 24, has reportedly come to an agreement with Villa after snubbing rivals Middlesbrough for his signature.
Also understand that Joe Bryan has chosen #AVFC over #Boro although am told that there might yet be some late Premier League interest in him. Most likely to become a Villan very shortly though
— Gregor MacGregor (@GeeMacGee) August 7, 2018
If the deal goes through as expected, Bryan should be announced by Friday afternoon at the latest. Aston Villa would be receiving a hugely dependable player, entering the prime of his career, for the club’s biggest area of weakness. On paper, that’s a win.
Sometimes the best ability is availability. Joe Bryan has played a lot of games over the years. #AVFC #BCFC pic.twitter.com/c0MKfPGlkR
— Claret Villans (@ClaretVillans) August 6, 2018
We profiled Bryan four months ago when rumors began circulating. He’s obviously a player Steve Bruce has had his eye on for some time. When NSWE took over, suddenly the necessary funds became available. Terms between the two clubs have not been disclosed, but sums in the region of £5 million have been thrown around on the internet, presumably with a 4-year deal attached.
Bryan’s arrival likely pushes Neil Taylor into a reserve role. The Wales international is coming off a disastrous season and looked-less-than-stellar in Villa’s opening league win over Hull City. Taylor, 29, has a contract with Aston Villa through summer 2021.
Like Axel Tuanzebe’s acquisition, Joe Bryan brings multiple options to the table for manager Steve Bruce. Bryan is equally adept as a wing back, left back, and occasional left winger. He’s strong enough to play in a back-4 and dynamic enough to play in a back-3 system.
4-1-4-1: Steer/Nyland; Hutton, Tuanzebe, Chester, Bryan; Jedinak; Adomah, Hourihane, Grealish, Green; Kodjia.
3-5-2: Steer/Nyland; Elphick, Chester, Tuanzebe; Elmohamady/De Laet, Hourihane, Bjarnason, Grealish, Bryan; Adomah/Green, Kodjia.
dark. Next. Orjan Nyland: Everything You Need To Know
It remains exciting to watch Aston Villa acquire talented players at younger ages. Just a few weeks ago, it seemed a foregone conclusion the entire squad would be ripped apart through financial mismanagement.