American shot stopper Brad Friedelwas the subject of serious interest from Manchester City in the summer of 2008 before he left Blackburn Rovers to sign for Aston Villa. Villa paid around £2.5m to sign the experienced goalkeeper from Blackburn Rovers.

Brad Friedel signed a three-year deal at Aston Villa on January 26, 2008 and he was unveiled during the half-time interval of the Intertoto Cup clash at home to Danish team Odense. Friedel made his debut in the game against home team Reading and he made his mark by saving the penalty awarded to the Royals in the tenth minute of the game which took place on August 2, 2008.

Brad Friedelmade his competitive Villa debut in the UEFA Cup clash with hosts Hafnarfjordur FC of Iceland in what was the first leg of their second round tie. He was unable to keep a clean sheet in a game which ended 4-1 in favour of his team.
His Premier League debut was at home to Manchester City who had earlier shown interest in signing him. Brad Friedel also didn't keep a clean sheet on his league debut for Villa on August 17, 2008, but he ended the game on the winning side via a 4-2 victory.
Friedel broke the record for the most continuous games played in the Premier League in the goalless draw with London team Fulham on November 30, 2008 in the colours of Aston Villa. It was the 167th consecutive Premier League game for Brad Friedel. He was able to continue his record for the most continuous games played in the Premier League despite being sent off during the away game at Anfield. Liverpool were awarded a penalty as a result of his red card and Steven Gerrard converted the spot kick against compatriot and fellow goalkeeper Brad Guzan who had come on for Villa. The FA overturned the red card and he was able to continue his streak.