Aston Villa have continued with adding more experienced players to the team this summer.
The Championship side signed Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan and then agreed terms with free agent Christopher Samba.
The 33-year old Whelan agreed to a two year deal. He has 336 caps for Stoke and has featured 81 times for the Republic of Ireland. The player joined the Potters from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2008 for £500,000. He scored six times in his stay there, including the famous 90-minute equalizer at Villa Park in 2009.
Samba, 33, left his Greek employers Panathinaikos earlier this year. He spent his pre-season with the club before agreeing to a year deal. He has experience playing for Blackburn and Queen Park Rangers. He moved to England to play for the Rovers from Hertha Berlin in 2007. He netted 18 times in 186 games for Blackburn.
Samba moved to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012 and then featured for six months at QPR and then rejoined the Russian side. The Congo international made a huge impression on trial for Steve Bruce to have signed him permanently.
“I have enjoyed my time with Aston Vila and I am very pleased to continue this association after signing my contract with the club. I have played against Aston Villa many times and it’s alwaysbeen a club I have had the utmost respect for because of its standing in the game,” the player said.
He adds that he is excited to wear the club’s jersey and he wants to play his part in the forthcoming season.
Villa recently signed Egyptian Ahmed Elmohamady from Hull City. John Terry joined few weeks back as Villa plans a return to the top flight.