Aston Villa secure Scott Sinclair on permanent four-year deal
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Aston Villa have signed Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, following a successful six-month loan spell with the West Midlands club this season.
The 26-year-old has struck three times during 11 appearances, helping Tim Sherwood’s Villans avoid Premier League relegation and also set up an FA Cup final clash with current holders Arsenal.
Sinclair starred for Welsh outfit Swansea City which earned him a move to the Etihad, but the former England Under-21 wideman struggled to make any impact at the Sky Blues, and is now relieved to have made his switch to Villa permanent.
“This is the happiest I have been in a long time,” stated Sinclair, who was limited to only three starts for City.
“I believe that will help me perform better and push on for this great club in the coming years.”
Having joined the Swans in 2010 for an initial £500k, many superb showings tempted City into acquiring his services for £8m just two years later. Although, numerous loan stints followed as he failed to cement a starting spot in the blue half of Manchester.
Sinclair, who also spent a stuttering five years at Chelsea; where he made just five outings in blue and was sent out on six different loan spells, will hope to kick on and sensationally secure a domestic cup triumph over Arsene Wenger’s Gunners with his new club (9/4 with Coral to triumph).
The rejuvenated winger is one of a host of Villa stars to spring to life under the guidance of former Spurs boss Sherwood, who impressively steered the club to top-flight safety, despite falling dangerously close to dropping down divisions under previous manager Paul Lambert.
Sherwood will hope Sinclair’s permanent switch will lead to further new deals at Villa Park, with Manchester United loanee Tom Cleverley also a potential full-time arrival this year, after impressing in recent weeks with his rare rampant form in front of goal.
Dominant Dutch intentional defender Ron Vlaar is also a player Sherwood may look to tie up a new contract for, with the towering centre back’s current deal set to expire at the end of this season.
The Villa revival has continued well after securing Premier League safety and the permanent capturing of Sinclair could be another step towards building a more efficient squad for next term.
