 In another turn of events, it was then announced on 27 July that he would eventually be joining the Premier League side, as he had agreed personal terms and would sign for Villa subject to him passing a medical.On 1 August, Vlaar officially joined Aston Villa, signing a three-year contract.On 15 September, Vlaar was named captain for the 2012–13 season in the continued absence of club captain Stiliyan Petrov, as the Bulgarian battled cancer.