Aston Villa are first time in the UEFA Champions League since the 1982/83 season. To prepare for the European tournament, they are going all out in the transfer market. Unai Emery is now focused on developing the quality of the squad so they can compete in the Champions league amongst the European giants and also perform well in the league. One of the recent moves by Villa is to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town. Even Kyle Walker had praises for the player.
Ross Barkley: The Return to Villa Park
Previously playing for Villa on loan in 2020-21 season, the midfielder is on the verge of making his return to Aston Villa. Despite Luton town relegating, Ross Barkley had an amazing season on an individual basis. Barkley scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists in 37 games across all the tournaments. His phenomenal performance has earned him a contract offer to go back to Aston Villa.
Recently on a podcast, Kyle Walker showed his admiration for Ross Barkley. “Ross is incredible,” Walker said. “There is too much quality at Villa. Eze is playing for England, Watkins is scoring for fun, and Martinez who has won the world cup. There is Douglas Luiz, who I played with at City, so they have good players but I think it’s probably helped them that they have been under the radar so they can go out and play.”
This reflects the high status that Barkley has amongst his peers. It also highlights the quality at Villa and Ross’s addition would only boost the caliber of the team.
Villa already have a quality midfield of McGinn and Douglas Luiz but to compete on the European front, you need squad depth with quality. Ross Barkley would be the perfect for the team. Barkley has the potential of playing as a holding midfielder and also as an attacking midfielder. This will give Emery ample of options to try his tactics. His physical presence and his goal scoring ability is an addition boost to his skill set.
Financial Prudence and Potential Impact for Villa
There is also a financial aspect to this Ross Barkley deal with Villa. Aston Villa have to comply with the profit and sustainable profit and the signing of a player like Ross Barkley on a low transfer fee is the best deal. This aligns with the club’s approach of developing the squad while not breaching any financial regulations.
Barkley’s return could also serve as a statement of intent from Aston Villa. It would signal the club’s ambition to not only compete but to excel at the highest levels. The experience and skill Barkley brings could be pivotal as Villa navigate the challenges of a packed schedule, including the rigors of Champions League football.
Building on Success
Unai Emery’s vision for Aston Villa is clear: to establish the club as a consistent force in both the Premier League and European competitions. The addition of Barkley could play a crucial role in achieving this vision. His experience in the Premier League and his previous stint at Villa Park mean he is well-versed in the expectations and culture of the club. Moreover, his recent form at Luton Town demonstrates that he is still capable of performing at a high level.
As Aston Villa prepare for a busy summer transfer window, the potential signing of Ross Barkley stands out as a smart move that could pay significant dividends. By reinforcing their midfield with a player of Barkley’s quality and experience, the Villains are taking a significant step towards cementing their place among Europe’s elite. This summer promises to be a pivotal period for Aston Villa, as they look to build on their recent success and embark on a new era of glory.
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