Aston Villa have confirmed via their official website that defender Ritchie De Laet has joined Belgian side Antwerp on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old returns to the club where it all began, with the former Stoke City and Manchester United man graduating from the club’s academy in 2006 before heading to English football with the Potters.

De Laet has struggled for game time this season, starting just once in the league for Villa this season, and manager Steve Bruce has made the decision to allow the experienced pro to leave the club in search of first-team opportunities.

The former Belgian international has a further eighteen months remaining on his contract at Villa Park, but with his loan move to Antwerp confirmed, it is highly unlikely the player will pull on a Villa shirt again.

The Verdict

De Laet is a model professional who has been an important part of the squad at Villa Park, but Bruce has made the sensible decision to allow the player to head home to Belgium in search of regular football.

At only 29, De Laet still has a lot to offer, and Antwerp will surely benefit from his presence as they go in search of European qualification this season. The player is unlikely to play for Villa again having not been in Bruce’s plans this year, and is likely to be playing for a contract at Antwerp over the next six months.

Villa fans, let us know your thoughts!