The one stumbling block in getting Brad Guzan to Aston Villa was a work permit.

Well, today he was granted that very permit.

That stumbling block prevented his move from MLS to the EPL back in January, a move that probably cost the league and Guzan millions of dollars. But after he played in a few U.S. matches this year, including both World Cup qualifiers, there seemed to be no way he would be denied. And he wasn’t.

So congrats to Brad for finally getting what he wants. Any wonder if he has sent Taylor Twellman a message to tell him how he did it.

UPDATE:Here is a little video tribute the club sent along…

I just got word and then saw some more confirmation from Luis Bueno over at Sideline Views that Brad Guzan is indeed leaving Chivas USA to head to EPL side Aston Villa. A source confirmed that Guzan is on his way to Aston Villa in a deal that has been finalized and will see Guzan go to England effective immediately.

Update: More confirmation, Ives is reporting that the transfer fee is $1.5 million and that Villa and Major League Soccer agreed to the fee and completed the transfer today.

We all pretty much saw this coming. Guzan was extremely close to going to Aston Villa in January but the deal fell apart at the last minute when he couldn’t secure a work permit.

The league and Guzan really had only a couple options as his contract (which is owned by the league) was set to expire at the end of the year; re-sign with the league, go to Europe during the summer transfer window or leave on a free transfer in the winter. Obviously the league isn’t dump enough to just let him walk out on a free transfer so the second option was really all they could do with his desire to head abroad.

For Chivas USA, the move is a big blow. With Guzan they had a chance to return to the playoffs for the third straight season. Even with the inconsistent play this season due to injuries, Chivas was starting to make their way back up the western standings. Now, without Guzan the Goats have now number-o-uno keeper Dan Kennedy. While Kennedy isn’t terrible he is no Guzan.

There may be a reinforcement coming but Kennedy has been around long enough (since the start of the preseason) to have learned both from Guzan and the coaching staff. Also, its not shocker to Chivas who may be in the market for another keeper and will have the cash to pay for one if they decide to go for a decent name out there.

Tough blow for the league and Chivas but again I wish Guzan the best.

There may be a reinforcement coming but Kennedy has been around long enough (since the start of the preseason) to have learned both from Guzan and the coaching staff.

From the sounds of everything last night in the Honda SuperClasico, Chivas USA keeper Brad Guzan seemingly played his last game for the Red-and-White. After the 1-1 tie against the Galaxy, Guzan didn’t exactly say anything to dismiss the rumors of a possible transfer to EPL side Aston Villa in his post-match interview with ESPN’s Allen Hopkins.

“I know there’s some talks going on and obviously we’re kind of seeing what happens in the next couple of days here,” Guzan said of rumors of a potential move to Aston Villa. “I hope for the best result for everybody involved.”

But the most glaring talk came next, when Guzan opened up about this time with Chivas a bit more and of the league as well. Continue Reading…

While Brad Guzan will be heading to Spain to play with the US National team in next week’s friendly. But first he will head back to the States and play in tomorrow’s game against Columbus.

Should Guzan leave next week, Chivas will be without him for a Thursday night game in New York. Interesting point though because this will give us the first chance to see exactly what Chivas has in reserve behind Guzan. Dan Kennedy is the current back-up in place and will more than likely get the nod and could soon become the full time starter for the Red-and-White.

Last night on MLS Primetime Thursday, it was stated that Guzan still wants to go to Aston Villa and play in the EPL. We all remember his work permit problems in January and one has to wonder if that would have improved by now. The summer transfer window opens up in the coming months and you have to believe Guzan will be making the push to abroad once again.

“Hopefully there will be more interest from Aston Villa in the summer. Right now I couldn’t tell you the specifics because my focus is with the national team.

“My agent has been handling all the discussions and nothing can really happen until the window opens anyway. I am letting him deal with that and, if something comes about, then great.

“I would love to sign for Villa. When I was there a few months back, it was an absolutely brilliant time – great people, great facilities and I couldn’t say one bad thing about the place.

“When the window opens, we will see what happens. Hopefully there is some interest and we will go from there. It looks like exciting times at Villa.” – Brad Guzan

Think Chivas is ready for a Guzan departure here? I’m sure they could easily use the transfer fee cash from him this summer if he does end up leaving.