Ross Barkley has joined Aston Villa on a permanent deal today. It has been four years since he last put on a Villa shirt, spending eight months on loan there whilst he was contracted at Chelsea. With Douglas Luiz having recently departed from the club, Villa will look towards Barkley for his experience in the middle of the pitch and his defensive performances.

Welcome back, @RBarkley8! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EPcPGQV6QU

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 1, 2024

The move has been confirmed officially by Aston Villa themselves with Barkley making his ambitions with the club and the move clear. He said, “Over the last few years the club has made huge strides since I was last at the club. As an outsider looking in, it looked fantastic, and to be a part of that is fantastic for me. Playing in the Champions League is a big incentive for me and the club, so I’m looking forward to that.”

He was voted Luton’s third best player in a recent vote set up by Luton News. Out of 3,000 fans, he garnered 15% of the votes, finishing behind only Alfie Doughty and Thomas Kaminski. Across all competitions last season Barkley achieved 37 appearances, five goals and six assists.

Last year's 23/24 season had Barkley averaging 6.69 recoveries, 1.41 ariel duels won, 0.76 possession won in the final third and 2.27 successful take-ons all per 90 minutes. Something for The Villains Fans to look forward to.

Barkley has 33 international caps for England and if he performs at the level he showed a Luton, he could make it back into the fray again. The 30 year old still has the capability to evolve his game and Unai Emery will cherish him. Emery was clear that he wanted Barkley, and it doesn’t harm the Englishman that he has a very similar player profile to Douglas Luiz.

Barkley could be the reason Aston Villa get their hands on a trophy this season as he provides more experience in the squad and more depth in case there is an injury crisis at Villa Park. Only time will tell though.