Aston Villa are reportedly close to announcing the signing of Ross Barkley from Luton Town – a move that will see the strength in depth of Unai Emery’s squad vastly improve.
Barkley has been linked with Villa ever since the conclusion of the 2023-24 Premier League season, in which he impressed despite Luton’s relegation.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano then revealed on Monday that the two clubs had reached a ‘verbal agreement’ on a fee around the £5 million mark.
The former Everton and Chelsea player had seemingly lost his way prior to joining Rob Edwards’ side but his return to form has earned him another opportunity at a big club.
His versatility could be crucial to Emery’s team as they look to compete in the league and Champions League next season, so here are three ways that the Spanish boss could find him a place in the side.
READ MORE: Aston Villa set for genius summer transfer window according to Football Manager
Ross Barkley could replace Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz has been the subject of transfer rumours for over a year now, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all linked at various times.
But Villa are likely to want a fee in excess of £60m for the 2022-23 Player of the Season award winner, so there is no guarantee that he will depart this summer.
However, should he go somewhere else, Barkley would be a like-for-like replacement in the centre of midfield.
The Englishman played in a double pivot at Luton and could thrive in a similar role alongside Boubacar Kamara at Villa Park.
Ross Barkley could play in a three-man midfield
Emery has typically opted for two central midfielders in his Villa tenure, either in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
But, the addition of Barkley could tempt the 52-year-old into playing a 4-3-3, which would allow him to play Barkley alongside the likes of Luiz – should he stay – and Kamara.
Particularly in games against tougher opposition, that trio would have all of the ingredients required to dominate the midfield battle: physicality, ball-winning, creativity etc.
Ross Barkley could return to an attacking midfield role
Barkley made a name for himself at Everton in the ‘number 10’ position, where he was allowed the freedom to express himself in the final third.
At the age of 30, it remains unclear whether Barkley would be able to fulfil that role with the same dynamism that he used to, but it is certainly worth a try.
With a solid base of Luiz and Kamara behind him, the 30-year-old could be the key chance creator for the likes of crucial striker Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby if permitted to venture forward on a more regular basis.
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