By Tim Parsons-
Aston Villa is gearing up for an exciting summer, with news emerging that Ross Barkley(pictured) is on the brink of rejoining the club. The dynamic midfielder, who previously played for Villa during the 2020/21 season on loan from Chelsea, is poised to make a return to Villa Park.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the deal is nearly complete, signalling a significant move for the club.
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Barkley, now 30, had a mixed stint during his initial loan spell at Aston Villa. Despite making 24 appearances and scoring three goals, he struggled to secure a permanent spot in Dean Smith’s lineup.
However, Barkley has since rejuvenated his career with a stellar season at Luton Town. His impressive performances caught the eye of many, including Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, who suggested Barkley was “not far off Player of the Season” for his contributions in the Premier League.
Barkley made 24 appearances for Dean Smith’s Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, on loan from Chelsea, scoring three times and placing one assist, but failed to really nail down a spot and departed at the end of the term.
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Unai Emery, Villa’s head coach, and Monchi, the club’s sporting director, have orchestrated what many are calling a shrewd move by bringing Barkley back. His resurgence at Luton Town suggests he could play a pivotal role in Villa’s ambitions next season. The club’s decision to re-sign Barkley indicates a strategic approach to bolstering their midfield with experienced and rejuvenated talent.
In addition to Barkley’s imminent return, Aston Villa is also reportedly interested in another former loanee, Tammy Abraham. According to TEAMtalk, AS Roma has transfer-listed the prolific striker for £40 million as the club looks to meet financial regulations and overhaul its squad under new manager Daniele De Rossi.
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also reportedly interested in Abraham, who has proven himself as a top-class goalscorer. Despite being hampered by an ACL injury this season, Abraham has demonstrated his abilities during his time in Italy, notably winning the Europa Conference League with Roma and scoring 27 goals in all competitions in his first season.
The Potential Reunion of Barkley and Abraham
The prospect of reuniting Barkley and Abraham at Villa Park is tantalizing for fans and the club’s management alike. Abraham, who played eight times this season, starting twice and scoring once, has shown he can thrive in high-pressure environments. His dynamic style of play, characterized by his ability to score, assist, and win duels, makes him a valuable asset.
In his debut season at Roma, Abraham was lauded by Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini, who predicted he would become “one of the best in the world.” Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Abraham transformed into a “monster” on the field, demonstrating his prowess in both domestic and European competitions.
Should Aston Villa succeed in securing both Barkley and Abraham, the potential partnership between the two could significantly bolster the team’s attacking options. Barkley’s creativity and midfield dynamism, combined with Abraham’s goal-scoring ability, could provide Villa with a potent offensive threat. Their previous experience playing together could also offer a seamless integration into Villa’s tactical setup.
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