Wednesday, 19th June, 2013
Nottingham Forest have made their first full signing of the summer window by taking on out-of-contract Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj on a free transfer.
Lichaj was released at the end of his six-year spell by the Villans, despite helping them claw out of relegation danger this season, and has signed a two-year deal with Forest.
He has spent plenty of time out on loan, however, most recently with Leeds United in the Championship, where he made 16 appearances in a three-month stint in 2011.
The United States international was disappointed to have featured less than what he expected with Villa – 42 times in total – but he will continue his experience in the Midlands region with Forest.
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Kuwaiti-backed Forest finished a creditable eighth last season, and manager Billy Davies told the club’s site: "Eric is a great signing for us.
"He has experience at the top level of English football and arrives at an important stage of his career. We are very much looking forward to working with him."
The 24-year-old, who has been capped eight times for the USA, added: "I was disappointed not to play more games for Villa last season but that’s in the past – I want to focus on my future with Forest.
"My agent told me just before the season ended that Forest were interested and it feels good to have finally signed – it’s nerve-racking being a free agent and I’m very happy to come here.
"Hopefully I can help the team and the fans to take us back into the Premier League."
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