Aston Villa have bolstered their midfield options with the permanent signing of Ross Barkley from Luton Town.
The 30-year-old returns to familiar territory at Villa Park, having impressed on loan during the 2020/21 season.
The England international has already set his sights on winning trophies at his new club. He said (via AVFC’s website): “For me, and everyone else at the club and the fans, [the ambition] is to win a trophy.
“The club came so close last season and were unfortunate. With additions to the already great squad that we’ve got, it’s going to be pivotal for the season. Hopefully we can win a trophy.”
Barkley, a product of Everton’s youth academy, rose to prominence at Goodison Park before a shock switch to Chelsea in 2018.
Barkley spent last season at Kenilworth Road and impressed despite the Hatters crashing back down to the second division after one unforgettable season in the top flight.
He impressed, notching five goals and four assists in 34 Premier League appearances, winning 51% of his duels while showing that he had put aside the injury issues that plagued him for years.
The midfielder boasts a wealth of experience at the top level, having also donned the colours of OGC Nice in Ligue 1 and earned 33 caps for England.
Barkley is a key addition for the Villains, who have secured UEFA Champions League football but need to build a deeper squad for the challenges ahead.
It is a busy day for Villa as they have also signed Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior from Juventus in a deal that saw Douglas Luiz move in the other direction.
Villa have been active in the summer transfer window ahead of next season. They have further bolstered their squad with the addition of Ian Maatsen of Chelsea and Lewis Dobbin.
The Villains are poised to add one or two players more before the end of the window.
