But soon after the defender’s arrival, Delph jumped ship to join Richards' former club City, barely a week after insisting he would stay, while talismanic striker Benteke moved to Liverpool for £32.5million. Villa signed 12 players over the summer, with many of the new recruits coming from Ligue 1 in France, yet there is already huge pressure on chairman Randy Lerner to spend in January to save their season. When Richards is asked if Premier League experience is lacking, his response is admirably honest again. “Yeah, I think it is. You need experience in the Premier League and the players that will go over and beyond for you.