Michael Bradley Officially Signs With Aston Villa, Stephen Ireland Heads to Newcastle

She goes on to point out that Bradley will likely do little more than bolster Villa’s depth. Maybe he can work his way into some starts, but that doesn’t seem likely. Bradley enters a crowded midfield, and considering he’s really not much of a specialist in any particular area, it doesn’t seem likely that Villa manager Gerard Houllier is going to expose the 23-year-old anymore than necessary.

In 19 Bundesliga matches with Mönchengladbach, Bradley scored three goals and had three assists. It wasn’t enough to keep them out of the relegation zone, where they are at the bottom of the Bundesliga table and six points shy of 17th.

“I am proud and thrilled and can’t wait to get going now,” the 23-year-old said in a statement issued by Aston Villa. “Everyone can see that Aston Villa that is a big club, a fantastic club, with tradition and great supporters. Over the past few years Villa have made big strides and are trying to challenge at the very top of the Premier League. I am excited to be part of that and I am excited to be here.

Since going through an eight-match stretch in which they claimed just four points and slipped into a battle against relegation, Aston Villa has now won two straight and claimed seven points in their last three. In that time, they’ve moved up to the 13th spot in the table.

Bradley, who is coming off an impressive showing in the most recent World Cup, has been playing for German side Borussia Monchengladbach, which is now locked in a relegation battle of their own. The 23-year-old has been playing in Europe since transferring from MLS in 2006, but this will be his first experience in the EPL.

Bradley has made 19 appearances with Borussia Monchengladbach this season, but recent acquisitions by the struggling club have seen the midfielder’s playing time come into question. With 18 months left on a contract with a club six points short of safety, Bradley’s looks set to move.

Bradley currently has a year and a half left on his contract with Moenchengladbach, which has just 13 points in 18 matches and is at the bottom of the Bundesliga table. This would likely be the best chance for Moenchengladbach to get top dollar for Bradley, who was one of the United States’ best players at the most recent World Cup.