In 2008, when Aston Villa decided to part ways with Gary Cahill, not many supporters were too pleased with their highly-rated academy product being sold to Bolton.
Just over 10 years later and the 33-year-old is a Champions League winner, Europa League winner and multiple Premier League winner – all with his current club Chelsea.
Whilst Cahill didn’t directly move from Villa to Chelsea, his performances for Bolton did play a part in his move to Stamford Bridge and subsequent meteoric rise.
During his early years with Chelsea, Villa were flirting with Europe, but their subsequent demise to the second tier of English football was dramatic and after three years in the Championship, they are now back in the Premier League.
Centre-back Cahill will leave Chelsea this summer [Telegraph] and given his availability and Villa’s return to the promised land, Dean Smith must make a move for the experienced campaigner.
Whilst Villa should stick with their philosophy of signing youngsters and constantly building for the future, a player like Cahill would be the perfect fit for them upon their return to the Premier League.
In the short to medium future, Villa need to maintain their status in England’s top-flight and a player like Cahill would provide that calmness for them during that period.
Not only that, he would help the careers of those around him and take them to the next level, whether they are midfielders or fellow defenders.
Either way, a player like Cahill has to be a must for Villa this summer!
