It has been a productive summer of transfer activity at Aston Villa so far this summer as they will be looking to drastically improve on last season under the management of Steve Bruce next time out. They finished mid-table in The Championship in the last campaign, mainly due to a poor start under Roberto Di Matteo but will be looking to push hard for promotion to the Premier League this time round.
Bruce has made four signings this summer with Ahmed Elmohamady, Christopher Samba, John Terry and Glenn Whelan all arriving at Villa Park. It is unlikely that Villa will be bringing many more new faces in this summer due to Financial Fair Play regulations and due to the amount, they have spent since their relegation already.
There have also been several departures from the club this summer, in an attempt to balance the books further. The likes of Nathan Baker, Libor Kozak and Jordan Veretout have all left the club, and more may be allowed to leave the club before the window slams shut.
We take a look at five players who could play a vital part in the upcoming season for Villa in their quest to earn a spot back in the top flight at the second attempt.
5John Terry
The 36-year-olds arrival at Villa Park earlier this summer remains one of the most surprising transfers to take place so far in this window. Terry arrives at the club with a wealth of top flight experience having made 492 appearances during his 19-year spell at Chelsea. It was a real coup by Bruce to be able to persuade him to join up with the club for next season.
However, the former England international will not be arriving at Villa in pursuit of one last pay cheque. He will have his eyes firmly set on a swift return to the top flight and must believe that Villa have a good chance of doing just that next season.
