Fabrizio Romano has now shared the reason why Aston Villa have decided they want Ross Barkley back at Villa Park.
Unai Emery and Monchi are already putting plans in place ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, which will see UEFA Champions League football return to the Midlands.
There have been links to some who boast strong experience of playing in Europe’s leading club competition – such as Mario Hermoso – although the headline story right now is in regards to Ross Barkley potentially returning to Aston Villa.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared why the Villans have made this transfer decision…
Why Aston Villa want Ross Barkley
The England international proved he still has plenty of talent this season at Luton Town after a period in the wilderness with Chelsea and OGC Nice.
Barkley impressively scored five goals and provided four assists in 30 Premier League starts for the Hatters – including strikes against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, Romano has provided some more specific reasons regarding why Aston Villa want a reunion with the Liverpudlian – who spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Villa Park.
The reliable Italian journalist wrote: “Unai Emery, pushing to sign Ross Barkley as his quality and experience are considered interesting for Aston Villa next season.”
The length of the 30-year-old’s contract with Luton Town was never officially disclosed, although the Guardian believe it does run into the 2024/25 campaign.
Nevertheless, the Guardian add that Aston Villa are close to signing Barkley on a permanent basis for a “modest” fee after the Hatters were relegated.
How England international performed at Villa Park
As aforesaid, Barkley has already played for the Villans, so he shouldn’t need much time to settle in.
The Everton academy graduate scored two goals in his first two Premier League appearances for Aston Villa during that 2020/21 campaign, netting in the 7-2 win over Liverpool and a 1-0 victory over Leicester.
However, Barkley then fizzled out a bit, scoring just one more goal that season to finish the campaign with three in 26 Premier League appearances.
Nevertheless, he seemed a far more rounded, mature midfielder at Kenilworth Road this season, and with a coach as talented as Emery guiding him, this could prove to be a fine piece of business.