In one of the most bizarre transfer stories of the year so far, Chelsea legend John Terry is reportedly close to signing for Championship outlet Aston Villa. We’ve taken a look on Twitter to check out the reaction to this unexpected transfer development.
The general immediate reaction is mostly one of shock, with many questioning why Terry would want to dip down into the Championship when there has been interest from Premier League clubs Swansea and Bournemouth, as well as a host of Chinese Super League and MLS clubs who would be able to offer him one last major pay cheque.
The 26-year-old has reportedly already met up with Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce and is excited by the challenge of helping Villa back to the Premier League following last season’s disappointing finish. Bruce is having to take a different approach to his predecessor Roberto Di Matteo, with Villa having spent more than any other Championship club, most of which went on signings that ultimately turned out to be underwhelming – £15 million January signing Scott Hogan played just 5 games for the Villains and scored only 1 goal.
Terry would add much-needed experience to a back line that looked shaky throughout last season. The England captain played 492 games for Premier League champions Chelsea over a 19-year stay at the London club, as well as making 78 appearances for the English national team – experience that sets him miles apart from any player in the Championship.
Many thought that joining Villa would be a great move for both parties …
John Terry would be a good player in the Championship. Fabulous passer, great in the air and very few teams will test his pace. #avfc
— Villa Views (@VillaViews_) June 12, 2017
For me it would be a good move for JT Villa are a big club should not be in Championship but he's earned the right to choose
— Ade Jones (@AdeJnadrn854) June 12, 2017
Villa fans debating whether signing John Terry would be a good move. No brainer!! Stick the armband on him too!
— Rob (@robmooreavfc) June 12, 2017
However some doubted whether Terry was up to the standard of Championship football …
He'd be lucky to get that, not really good enough for even higher championship.
— Jake! (@JakeAGriff) June 12, 2017
He's too slow for the championship
— John (@john_leadbetter) June 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/L4_SwH/status/874288796141006849