Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is set to make a permanent move to Aston Villa according to reports.
The 30-year-old, who joined Luton as a free agent last summer, is close to completing a deal with Villa for a reported fee of £5m.
Barkley, who made 37 appearances and scored five goals for Luton last season, was unable to prevent the club from being relegated from the Premier League.
However, his performances caught the eye of Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, who had Barkley on loan during the 2020-21 campaign.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barkley’s medical at Aston Villa is expected to take place soon, paving the way for the midfielder to join the club permanently.
With experience at clubs like Everton and Chelsea, Barkley’s addition to Villa’s squad will bring a wealth of top-flight experience and quality to the team.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa coach Unai Emery is focusing on strengthening his midfield for the upcoming Champions League campaign by targeting a new central midfielder this summer.
After finishing fourth in the Premier League, Aston Villa secured a spot in the Champions League for the first time since their European Cup win in 1982.
Despite a strong run in the Europa Conference League, Villa fell short in the semi-finals against Olympiakos with a 6-2 aggregate defeat.
With Ross Barkley on the radar to join Aston Villa, the England midfielder will help bolster the squad.
Ross Barkley’s football career
Ross Barkley started his professional career at Everton in 2010 before going on loan to Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.
Upon returning to Everton, he became a key player, making 179 appearances and scoring 27 goals.
In 2018, Barkley signed with Chelsea where he experienced great success, winning the many trophies during his stint at Stamford Bridge.
Barkley made his debut for the England national team in 2013, representing his country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016. With 33 caps to his name, Barkley last played for England in 2019.
Ross Barkley’s achievement
Barkley achieved major success during his time at Chelsea, winning the FA Cup in the 2017-18 season and the UEFA Europa League in 2018-19.
He also added to his trophy collection with a FIFA Club World Cup victory in 2021. Despite being a runner-up in the EFL Cup in 2018-19, Barkley showcased his talent and skill on the field.
On the international stage, Barkley made a name for himself by winning the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with England in 2010.
He was also recognized for his performances with honors such as being named in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament that same year.
In his club career, Barkley received accolades such as Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Month in October 2012 and Everton Young Player of the Year in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
His impressive contributions to both club and country highlight his talent and potential as a top footballer.
What’s next for Ross Barkley?
With Barkley’s contract details already finalized, the only remaining step is for Barkley to undergo a medical examination before the deal can be officially completed and that will happen soon.
