AC Milan and Aston Villa have come to an agreement regarding the loan of Pepe Reina, according to Fabrizio Romano. Reina, formerly of Liverpool, is set to join the Villains on loan for the rest of the season.
Pepe Reina Set to Join Aston Villa
Top Class Experience
Pepe Reina is best known for his time at Liverpool. He played there for eight years, in which time he made 395 appearances. While at Liverpool, the Spaniard kept 177 clean sheets and won four different trophies with Liverpool. Reina also won three golden gloves, the third-highest in the Premier League.
Liverpool are Reina’s only Premier League club aside from Aston Villa, but he has much more to show for in terms of top clubs. He has played for not just Liverpool, but Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Napoli as well. Following his second spell with the Série A side, Reina moved to AC Milan, but has promptly left them on loan. As Pepe Reina joins Aston Villa, he brings with him unparalleled experience. This is something which Villa will certainly need in their bid for Premier League survival.
How Can He Help Aston Villa?
Currently just one point above the drop zone, Aston Villa need all the help they can get in this Premier League relegation battle. They are not battling easy teams either. Watford, for a start, look rejuvenated under new manager Nigel Pearson. Furthermore, Norwich City have star players like Teemu Pukki who can perform on the biggest of occasions, and Bournemouth have caused some huge upsets this season to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. In a relegation battle as close as this, any addition can go a long way to helping a team with their survival.
Pepe Reina joins Aston Villa at a crucial time. Their first-choice goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, is out for the rest of the season. The addition of another goalkeeper, and one with so much experience and quality, could prove to be essential in Villa’s fight for survival.
Furthermore, star player Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Villa Park this January. If that were to happen, Villa would surely be one of the favourites to be relegated this campaign.
As Pepe Reina joins Aston Villa, he brings with him quality, class and experience, all characteristics which the Villains want to see in their team. His introduction may or may not be able to keep them up this year, only time will tell, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
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