Guzan Moving On to Aston Villa

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USA: Brad Guzan, June 2008 (ISI)

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Brad Guzan is going to Aston Villa after a $1.5 million transfer between the EPL side and Major League Soccer was agreed to on Friday, according to an ESPN.com report.

The news comes six months after the Chicago native intially was heading to Villa, yet wasn't able to secure a work permit in England to complete the move. It also comes on the heels of his strong performance for Chivas USA against the L.A. Galaxy on Thursday night that included a brave stop on Carlos Ruiz to preserve the 1-1 draw.

After the match, Guzan did little to hide the fact that his long-rumored move to Aston Villa was imminent. Speaking to ESPN, Guzan said, "I know there's some talks going on and obviously we're kind of seeing what happens in the next couple of days here. I hope for the best result for everybody involved.”

By most accounts, Guzan is the next big American goalkeeper to conquer Europe, the heir apparent to predecessors Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, and Tim Howard. Six-four with catlike quickness, Guzan is the prototypical keeper for the Premier League.

His rise from a shell-shocked 20-year-old rookie to the U.S. number two has coincided with the rise of Chivas itself. After the club’s horrible maiden season in 2005, the club won the Western Conference just two years later. He’s not leaving without some good feelings about his first pro club.

"It's been absolutely unbelievable," Guzan said. "Obviously being able to stay at a club for three and a half years, learning and growing as a player, as a person, I've been very thankful for Chivas USA and everything they've done for me. And obviously the league has made tremendous strides, and hopefully it'll keep going in the right direction."

-- Goal.com