It appears as though Nathan Baker might be the latest player that could head through the exit door as the Birmingham Mail reports that Tim Sherwood will allow Nathan Baker to leave the club if Villa receive a bid of around £2 million for the English central defender. Baker (now aged 24) has had a poor pre-season making several mistakes and with the recent arrival of Richards and Crespo is seems as though there isn’t room for Baker in the starting 11.
Baker had come through the youth academy at the same time as Ciaran Clark and has made over 78 appearances for Villa. Baker played a role under Paul Lambert and played in some key fixtures for Tim Sherwood. However selling Baker might be a mistake since Baker is still a decent, no non-sense defender. Some Villa fans claim that losing Baker would be the equivalent of losing Gary Cahill as Baker is still young and a lot to offer. However Baker’s recent injury record has been poor. But throughout his career some fans have claimed that he had been developing at a faster rate than Ciaran Clark (until the last season).
It’s a difficult decision, Baker is a good player and has played a vital role for Villa over the years but perhaps it is time to let him go after the arrival of Richards and Crespo. Additionally it appears as though Okore and Clark are ahead of Baker in the pecking order. Burnley and Middlesbrough are strongly linked with Baker, but I reckon a fee of £2 million is too low for young Premier League player, I reckon £4-5 million would be more fair.
Sorry to see him leave. He is proper and traditional CB who is as brave as a lion. I would be looking for a fee of around £3.5 mil for him. I wish him well. He has been a good servant to the club.
Best wishes for the future!
I’d be gutted to see him leave, a young English [that’s important these days with the British born squad ruling] CB who has so much potential, such a waste to see him blossom at another club like G.Cahill. I’ve a Liverpool supporting mate who raves about him. Villa are doing some good business this Summer, selling Baker would not be!
Wish him all the best. Was unlucky with injuries . 2 mil, you would think that we would get more for him. I felt that he was get lost at the back sometimes. I believe he was at Villa from 13 years of age.
Sorry about the grammer. I was typing on the phone and talking to someone at the same time.
Not a bad player but for a big fella he appears little fragile, every game I’ve seen him play in he’s had the physio on seeing to some injury from a nothing challenge or he’s gone off injured.
Now that says to me he is either unlucky, has a very low pain threshold or doesn’t have the mental toughness so all in all probably in the best interests of all he’s off to pastures new.
Agreed BWS I think he certainly improved over recent seasons but he did become a bit of a wuss.
Hi Giddy, not a bad player but I don’t think he’s a Cahill.
Where’s Bill P?
On his hols MATE, nice to see you back.
I don’t think some on here would agree with you but cheers mate 🙂
MATE I certainly can say I’ve loved some of your posts over the recent years, on a dull day they certainly brighten them up.I love wittiness & you’ve certainly got that,try not getting derailed by others.
Many thanks Giddy.
I think certain players attributes can sometimes affect our opinions of them. I like Baker as he’s an old fashioned, “blood and thunder” type centre half with a no nonsense approach to the game. The fact that I like his playing style has probably clouded my judgement of his abilities and Burnley is probably about his level.
An English defender, approaching his prime years in the game would not go missed by a top flight club and the fact only Burnley are interested in him probably tells us a lot about his future in the game.
Never the less, I hope he does well there and wish him all the best.
A shrewd analysis Jaymo. There is only one thing wrong with Baker, he is too slow for the EPL. It is that which has led to the injuries he sustained. I wish him well in the Championship. He is a whole-hearted player – and a clean defender despite that.