Michael Bradley
The American midfielder, now a familiar name in MLS circles, had a forgettable loan spell from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2011. Bradley made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League and one start in an FA Cup loss to Manchester City. His minimal impact ensures he’s rarely recalled by Villa supporters.
José Ángel Crespo
Crespo signed from Cordoba in 2015 but made only one league appearance for Villa, starting in a 1-0 defeat to Stoke. Loaned out to Rayo Vallecano within six months and sold to PAOK in 2016, the Spanish defender’s brief and uneventful spell has largely been erased from Villa lore.
Habib Beye
The Senegalese full-back joined Villa from Newcastle in 2009 with high expectations, given his solid Premier League pedigree. However, with Carlos Cuellar and Luke Young ahead of him, Beye managed just nine league appearances over three seasons. His contract was canceled in 2012, and his time at Villa remains a footnote for most fans.
Andre Moreira
The Portuguese goalkeeper arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2018, marking the first signing of the NSWE era. However, Moreira’s Villa career was limited to two League Cup appearances, including a penalty save against Yeovil Town. With no league outings, he quickly faded from fans’ memories and returned to Atletico in 2019.
Simon Dawkins
Signed on loan from Tottenham in January 2013, Dawkins’ stint at Villa was remarkably unremarkable. The winger played just 71 minutes across four substitute appearances in the Premier League, leaving no lasting impression before quietly returning to Spurs. His anonymity during this spell makes him the epitome of a forgotten Villan.
