Robins add Villa’s Baker to the mix for next term

BRISTOL City have confirmed the signing of Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old has signed a fouryear contract at Ashton Gate, making him the third signing at BS3 this summer.

The defender returns to the club having been on loan in 2015/16, when he made 38 appearances and scored once.

Baker has been injured for the past few friendly Villa games which is why he hasn’t played.

Head coach Lee Johnson told the club’s website: “Nathan is a quality signing. He’s a very good defender who is held in high regard.

“Nathan knows all about Bristol City, having been here before, and we now have strong competition for places in defence.

“Nathan has played in the Premier League before and is still only 26. We’re absolutely delighted to have signed a player of his quality.”

In a statement from Villa the club said: “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Nathan the best of luck for the future.”

Baker had been with Villa since the age of 13, rising through the club’s Academy to make the first team squad in 2008.

He moves comes at a time when Villa are well stocked in defence having signed John Terry and Chris Samba this season and James Chester was player-of-the-season last term.

The defender spent time on loan at Lincoln City and Millwall, making his first start for Villa in between the two temporary moves in January 2011 against Wigan Athletic.