Aston Villa bolster squad with experienced midfielder on free transfer

Ross Barkley has agreed to join Aston Villa on a free transfer following Luton Town's relegation from the Premier League. The 30-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Villans, which includes an option for a one-year extension, according to Football Insider.

Barkley's move to Villa Park comes after a clause in his Luton Town contract became active, allowing him to leave the club for free following their relegation. The midfielder had initially signed a one-year deal with the Hatters, with a 12-month extension option. However, the relegation clause has paved the way for his departure from the club.

Despite interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Barkley has chosen to join Unai Emery's side as they prepare for their return to the Champions League. The midfielder's desire to compete in Europe's elite competition is believed to have been a key factor in his decision.

Aston Villa had identified a box-to-box midfielder as one of their top priorities for the upcoming transfer window, and Barkley's impressive performances for Luton Town last season caught their attention.

During his time at Luton Town, Barkley registered five goals and four assists in 32 Premier League appearances, despite playing in a deeper role for Rob Edwards's side. Although his efforts were not enough to keep Luton in the Premier League, he enjoyed a successful individual campaign. In addition to his goals and assists, he was also named the club's player of the season, showcasing his impact on the team.

This move marks a return to Villa Park for Barkley, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at the club, scoring three goals in 24 appearances. Following his loan spell, he departed Chelsea and joined French side Nice before making the switch to Luton Town last summer. Now, he is set to reunite with Aston Villa as they embark on a new chapter in their history.

Aston Villa are reportedly working on securing another senior signing in the coming weeks as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. With Barkley's arrival on a free transfer, the club has made a shrewd move to bolster their midfield options without a significant financial outlay.

As Unai Emery prepares his team for the challenges of competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League, the addition of an experienced and talented midfielder like Ross Barkley could prove to be a valuable asset in their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.

Villa fans will be eager to see how Barkley integrates into the team and contributes to their ambitious goals in the upcoming season. With his wealth of experience and proven ability to make an impact in the Premier League, Barkley's arrival at Villa Park has the potential to be a game-changer for the club.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Aston Villa and their new player, Ross Barkley, as they look to make their mark on both the domestic and European stages.