Three reasons Aston Villa should take a punt on John Ruddy
Norwich City announced on Tuesday that after seven years with the club and 242 appearances, goalkeeper John Ruddy is to be released this summer following the expiry of his contract.
The stopper was one of the stars for the Canaries during their four seasons in the Premier League over that period, but despite making 28 appearances in all competitions for the Championship outfit this term he will leave Carrow Road at the end of the campaign.
The 30-year-old, who has one England cap and would have been part of the Three Lions’ Euro 2012 squad had he not broken a finger, will now begin his search for a new club and he shouldn’t be too short of options.
Villa manager Steve Bruce could be looking for a new goalkeeper this summer with current number one Sam Johnstone only on a loan deal from Manchester United and not guaranteed to make the move permanent, and he could do a lot worse than take a closer look at the Canaries keeper, who is available on a free transfer.
Here are three reasons Villa should take a punt on Ruddy this summer…
They need a new number one
With Pierluigi Gollini unlikely to be the number one next season after being shipped out on loan to Atalanta by Steve Bruce during the January transfer window despite only arriving at the club last summer, and Mark Bunn seemingly not being trustworthy, a goalkeeper could be on the agenda during the summer.
Sam Johnstone has impressed between the sticks in the second half of the campaign after joining on loan from Manchester United, but it remains to be seen whether Jose Mourinho will allow him to move to Villa Park on a permanent deal as he only signed a new contract with the Red Devils in October.
He is experienced at this level
Having made more than 115 Championship appearances over three seasons and having been promoted to the Premier League twice in that time, the 30-year-old has plenty of experience at this level and knows what it takes to go up.
That is something that will appeal to Steve Bruce as he knows that the club simply has to win promotion back to the top flight next season after a disappointing campaign this time out, and as he is available on a free there is almost nothing to lose.
He is good enough to make the step up
When Bruce is targeting new players for Villa this summer he will be looking for individuals that will be able to make the step up to the Premier League at the end of next season, as that is when he will be expecting to win promotion.
Having made 117 outings in the top flight and been one of Canaries’ most impressive performers, he certainly has proven that he has the ability to establish himself again at that level.
At 30 years of age, he still has time on his side too.
Do you agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.