The Daily Mail have reported that Villa’s veteran keeper Brad Friedel has rejected a new 1 year contract offer from the club and claim that the 40-year-old will rejoin his former employer Liverpool on a 2 year deal.
Speculation had mounted that the American had opted for a shorter switch to West Brom, though the fact that Friedel still resides in Cheshire is thought to be a key aspect of his apparent decision to move on. If true then the ex-Blackburn stopper will almost certainly play second fiddle to Reds No.1 Pepe Reina, who had been expected to leave Anfield prior to Kenny Dalglish’s arrival but has since stated his desire to stay at the club.
This rumour is a pretty disappointing one as I believe Brad still has another year in him at first team level after showing little to no deterioration in form this term. Various aspects will eventually effect his decision but having played every Premier League game since joining Villa, I didn’t think he would opt out for a reserve team role. One would suggest that Villa have failed to assure him of a starting berth next season and the Mail claim that he has been unsurprisingly offered a lower contract than his existing one, with more emphasis on appearance fees.
Friedel has been a great servant in his short time at the club thus far and I for one hope the stories aren’t true but if they are, would target the likes of Ben Foster, Shay Given or Paul Robinson, certainly over a mooted move for Rob Green! Thoughts?
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