Villa sign Danny Drinkwater
By Tom Wade
Aston Villa have announced that they have signed Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan until the end of the season.
With star midfielder John McGinn out for the remainder of the season, Villa have made their first signing of the January transfer window by bringing in the former Leicester City man to bolster manager Dean Smith’s options.
Drinkwater had previously been on loan at fellow Premier League club Burnley, however, after making just one appearance for the club due to injury, Chelsea decided to recall him and move him on elsewhere.
Danny was the engine in the midfield for the Foxes as they won the Premier League title back in 2015-16, so much so he earned himself three caps for his country due to his outstanding efforts.
On 1 September 2017, Drinkwater joined then Chelsea for a fee of £35m and went on to make 12 appearances for the club. After Chelsea appointed Maurizio Sarri for the 2018-19 season, the 29-year-old fell out of favour at the club which led to him joining Burnley on loan.
More from Claret Villans
- Aston Villa dismiss Everton for first win of Premier League season
- Tyrone Mings injured in Aston Villa’s season-opening 5-1 defeat
- Aston Villa draw Hibernian or FC Luzern for Europa Conference League play-off
- Aston Villa sign winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen
- Aston Villa close in on deal to sign Pau Torres from Villareal
Speaking about his new signing, manager Dean Smith told the club’s official website:
"“Danny was a key member of Leicester City’s title-winning team and has represented England so he is a vastly experienced player.He will strengthen our squad significantly.”"
With Drinkwater becoming Villa’s first signing of the transfer window, the club will now turn their attention to bringing in a replacement for injured striker Wesley.
As reported earlier, that could be AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek after the club made contact with the player’s agent.
With Villa fighting for their Premier League survival, January could be a key to making sure they do so and by bringing in a player of Drinkwater’s class, it’s a big step in the right direction. After all, January was supposed to be a quiet one for the Villans after a huge summer of spending.
dark. Next. Villa to sign Polish International?
Drinkwater will be cup-tied for Villa’s Carabao Cup Semi-Final on Wednesday but is clear to play in the clubs next league fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.
On behalf of everyone at Claret Villans, Welcome to Aston Villa, Danny!